Index Page Replies to initial written questions raised by Finance Committee Members in examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Director of Bureau : Secretary for Transport and Housing Session No. : 14 File Name : THB(T)-2-e1.docx Reply Serial No. Question Serial No. Name of Member Head Programme THB(T)001 0720 CHAN Kam-lam 28 (3) Air Traffic Management THB(T)002 1092 Albert CHAN Wai-yip 28 (2) Airport Standards THB(T)003 1093 Albert CHAN Wai-yip 28 (-) Not Specified THB(T)004 2560 Albert CHAN Wai-yip 28 (3) Air Traffic Management THB(T)005 2464 Albert HO Chun-yan 28 (3) Air Traffic Management THB(T)006 0220 Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung 28 (3) Air Traffic Management THB(T)007 0221 Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung 28 (3) Air Traffic Management THB(T)008 0140 LAU Wong-fat 28 (-) Not Specified THB(T)009 2768 Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen 28 (1) Flight Standards THB(T)010 2882 Priscilla LEUNG Mei-fun 28 (-) Not Specified THB(T)011 0206 Abraham SHEK Lai-him 28 (5) Air Services and Safety Management THB(T)012 0461 Abraham SHEK Lai-him 28 (4) Air Traffic Engineering Services THB(T)013 2380 Michael TIEN Puk-sun 28 (2) Airport Standards THB(T)014 1899 WONG Yuk-man 28 (3) Air Traffic Management THB(T)015 1562 YIU Si-wing 28 (-) Not Specified THB(T)016 0103 IP Kwok-him 33 (3) Provision of Land and Infrastructure THB(T)017 2437 Elizabeth QUAT 33 (3) Provision of Land and Infrastructure THB(T)018 2597 Elizabeth QUAT 33 (3) Provision of Land and Infrastructure THB(T)019 2388 James TIEN Pei-chun 33 (2) Port and Marine Facilities THB(T)020 1446 Frankie YICK Chi-ming 42 (2) Mechanical Installations Safety THB(T)021 2026 Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok 60 (2) District and Maintenance Works
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Index Page
Replies to initial written questions raised by Finance Committee Members in
examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17
Director of Bureau : Secretary for Transport and Housing
Session No. : 14
File Name : THB(T)-2-e1.docx
Reply Serial
No.
Question
Serial
No. Name of Member Head Programme
THB(T)001 0720 CHAN Kam-lam 28 (3) Air Traffic Management
THB(T)002 1092 Albert CHAN
Wai-yip
28 (2) Airport Standards
THB(T)003 1093 Albert CHAN
Wai-yip
28 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)004 2560 Albert CHAN
Wai-yip
28 (3) Air Traffic Management
THB(T)005 2464 Albert HO
Chun-yan
28 (3) Air Traffic Management
THB(T)006 0220 Jeffrey LAM
Kin-fung
28 (3) Air Traffic Management
THB(T)007 0221 Jeffrey LAM
Kin-fung
28 (3) Air Traffic Management
THB(T)008 0140 LAU Wong-fat 28 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)009 2768 Andrew LEUNG
Kwan-yuen
28 (1) Flight Standards
THB(T)010 2882 Priscilla LEUNG
Mei-fun
28 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)011 0206 Abraham SHEK
Lai-him
28 (5) Air Services and Safety
Management
THB(T)012 0461 Abraham SHEK
Lai-him
28 (4) Air Traffic Engineering
Services
THB(T)013 2380 Michael TIEN
Puk-sun
28 (2) Airport Standards
THB(T)014 1899 WONG Yuk-man 28 (3) Air Traffic Management
THB(T)015 1562 YIU Si-wing 28 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)016 0103 IP Kwok-him 33 (3) Provision of Land and
Infrastructure
THB(T)017 2437 Elizabeth QUAT 33 (3) Provision of Land and
Infrastructure
THB(T)018 2597 Elizabeth QUAT 33 (3) Provision of Land and
Infrastructure
THB(T)019 2388 James TIEN
Pei-chun
33 (2) Port and Marine Facilities
THB(T)020 1446 Frankie YICK
Chi-ming
42 (2) Mechanical Installations
Safety
THB(T)021 2026 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
60 (2) District and Maintenance
Works
Reply Serial
No.
Question
Serial
No. Name of Member Head Programme
THB(T)022 0734 CHAN Kam-lam 60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)023 1523 Albert CHAN
Wai-yip
60 (3) Railway Development
THB(T)024 2075 Albert CHAN
Wai-yip
60 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)025 3206 Albert CHAN
Wai-yip
60 (2) District and Maintenance
Works
THB(T)026 3207 Albert CHAN
Wai-yip
60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)027 1974 Gary FAN
Kwok-wai
60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)028 1975 Gary FAN
Kwok-wai
60 (3) Railway Development
THB(T)029 2032 Gary FAN
Kwok-wai
60 (3) Railway Development
THB(T)030 3113 Gary FAN
Kwok-wai
60 (4) Technical Services
THB(T)031 3114 Gary FAN
Kwok-wai
60 (4) Technical Services
THB(T)032 0097 IP Kwok-him 60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)033 0099 IP Kwok-him 60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)034 0101 IP Kwok-him 60 (3) Railway Development
THB(T)035 0274 Jeffrey LAM
Kin-fung
60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)036 0049 LAU Wong-fat 60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)037 0146 LAU Wong-fat 60 (4) Technical Services
THB(T)038 0150 LAU Wong-fat 60 (3) Railway Development
THB(T)039 2898 Claudia MO 60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)040 1785 James TIEN
Pei-chun
60 (3) Railway Development
THB(T)041 2451 James TIEN
Pei-chun
60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)042 2452 James TIEN
Pei-chun
60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)043 2453 James TIEN
Pei-chun
60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)044 2393 Michael TIEN
Puk-sun
60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)045 0318 WONG Kwok-hing 60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)046 2908 WU Chi-wai 60 (1) Capital Projects
THB(T)047 2909 WU Chi-wai 60 (3) Railway Development
THB(T)249 3603 KWOK Ka-ki 91 (1) Land Administration
THB(T)250 3513 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
100 (3) Local Services
THB(T)251 5955 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (1) Infrastructure
THB(T)252 5957 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (5) Government Fleet
THB(T)253 5958 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (1) Infrastructure
THB(T)254 5959 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (2) Port Services
THB(T)255 5960 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (2) Port Services
THB(T)256 5961 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (3) Local Services
THB(T)257 6263 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (3) Local Services
THB(T)258 6264 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (4) Services to Ships
THB(T)259 6266 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (4) Services to Ships
THB(T)260 6268 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (4) Services to Ships
THB(T)261 6652 KWOK Ka-ki 100 (2) Port Services
THB(T)262 4932 TANG Ka-piu 100 (3) Local Services
THB(T)263 4010 James TO Kun-sun 100 (3) Local Services
THB(T)264 4011 James TO Kun-sun 100 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)265 4119 WONG Kwok-hing 100 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)266 4120 WONG Kwok-hing 100 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)267 4121 WONG Kwok-hing 100 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)268 4738 WU Chi-wai 100 (3) Local Services
THB(T)269 5422 CHAN Chi-chuen 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)270 5431 CHAN Chi-chuen 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)271 5450 CHAN Chi-chuen 158 (1) Director of Bureau's
Office
Reply Serial
No.
Question
Serial
No. Name of Member Head Programme
THB(T)272 3518 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)273 3519 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)274 3520 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)275 3521 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)276 3522 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)277 3523 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)278 3524 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)279 6198 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (1) Director of Bureau's
Office
THB(T)280 6199 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)281 6860 CHEUNG
Kwok-che
158 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)282 3593 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)283 3611 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)284 4862 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)285 5916 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)286 5917 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)287 5918 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)288 5919 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)289 5921 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)290 5931 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)291 5933 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)292 5934 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Reply Serial
No.
Question
Serial
No. Name of Member Head Programme
Logistics Development
THB(T)293 5935 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)294 5936 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)295 5937 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)296 5938 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)297 5939 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)298 5940 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)299 5941 KWOK Ka-ki 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)300 4248 LAM Tai-fai 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)301 4419 Alan LEONG
Kah-kit
158 (1) Director of Bureau's
Office
THB(T)302 5706 LEUNG
Kwok-hung
158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)303 5713 LEUNG
Kwok-hung
158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)304 4032 LEUNG Yiu-chung 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)305 4779 MA Fung-kwok 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)306 4577 Claudia MO 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)307 4597 Claudia MO 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)308 4598 Claudia MO 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)309 4599 Claudia MO 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)310 4608 Claudia MO 158 (3) Air and Sea
Communications and
Logistics Development
THB(T)311 5271 Charles Peter MOK 158 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)312 5285 Charles Peter MOK 158 (-) Not Specified
Reply Serial
No.
Question
Serial
No. Name of Member Head Programme
THB(T)313 5306 Charles Peter MOK 158 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)314 5353 Charles Peter MOK 158 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)315 5754 Charles Peter MOK 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)316 5755 Charles Peter MOK 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)317 5757 Charles Peter MOK 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)318 7259 Abraham SHEK
Lai-him
158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)319 4026 James TO Kun-sun 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)320 4568 WONG Yuk-man 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)321 4569 WONG Yuk-man 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)322 4570 WONG Yuk-man 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)323 4571 WONG Yuk-man 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)324 4572 WONG Yuk-man 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)325 3452 WU Chi-wai 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)326 4721 WU Chi-wai 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)327 4722 WU Chi-wai 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)328 4723 WU Chi-wai 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)329 4740 WU Chi-wai 158 (2) Land and Waterborne
Transport
THB(T)330 5443 CHAN Chi-chuen 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)331 5539 CHAN Chi-chuen 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)332 3528 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)333 3529 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)334 3530 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
186 (2) Licensing of Vehicles and
Drivers
THB(T)335 3531 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)336 3532 Kenneth CHAN
Ka-lok
186 (-) Not Specified
Reply Serial
No.
Question
Serial
No. Name of Member Head Programme
THB(T)337 4542 Albert CHAN
Wai-yip
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)338 6030 Fernando
CHEUNG
Chiu-hung
186 (2) Licensing of Vehicles and
Drivers
THB(T)339 6416 Fernando
CHEUNG
Chiu-hung
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)340 6456 Fernando
CHEUNG
Chiu-hung
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)341 6542 CHEUNG
Kwok-che
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)342 6543 CHEUNG
Kwok-che
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)343 6850 CHEUNG
Kwok-che
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)344 6851 CHEUNG
Kwok-che
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)345 6852 CHEUNG
Kwok-che
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)346 6853 CHEUNG
Kwok-che
186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)347 3594 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)348 4854 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)349 4855 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)350 4856 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)351 4857 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)352 4858 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)353 4859 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)354 4860 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)355 4861 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)356 4863 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)357 4864 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)358 4865 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
Reply Serial
No.
Question
Serial
No. Name of Member Head Programme
THB(T)359 4866 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)360 4867 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)361 4868 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)362 4869 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)363 4870 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)364 4871 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)365 4872 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)366 4873 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)367 4874 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)368 4875 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)369 6660 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)370 6661 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)371 6662 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)372 6663 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)373 6664 KWOK Ka-ki 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)374 4027 LEUNG Yiu-chung 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)375 4030 LEUNG Yiu-chung 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
(4) Management of Transport
Services
THB(T)376 4576 Claudia MO 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)377 4585 Claudia MO 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)378 4586 Claudia MO 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)379 4600 Claudia MO 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)380 4601 Claudia MO 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)381 3458 Charles Peter MOK 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
Reply Serial
No.
Question
Serial
No. Name of Member Head Programme
THB(T)382 5756 Charles Peter MOK 186 (2) Licensing of Vehicles and
Drivers
THB(T)383 4930 TANG Ka-piu 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)384 4931 TANG Ka-piu 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)385 4937 TANG Ka-piu 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)386 4128 WONG Kwok-hing 186 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)387 4129 WONG Kwok-hing 186 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)388 4130 WONG Kwok-hing 186 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)389 4546 WONG Yuk-man 186 (2) Licensing of Vehicles and
Drivers
THB(T)390 4741 WU Chi-wai 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)391 4742 WU Chi-wai 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)392 4743 WU Chi-wai 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)393 4744 WU Chi-wai 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)394 4745 WU Chi-wai 186 (4) Management of Transport
Services
THB(T)395 4746 WU Chi-wai 186 (1) Planning and
Development
THB(T)396 4747 WU Chi-wai 186 (3) District Traffic and
Transport Services
THB(T)397 7247 Gary FAN
Kwok-wai
706 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)398 7245 Gary FAN
Kwok-wai
707 (-) Not Specified
THB(T)399 7241 Gary FAN
Kwok-wai
708 (-) Not Specified
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)001
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0720)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
It is mentioned in the Estimates that the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will “provide
schedule co-ordination and slot allocation services to airlines and other aircraft operators”.
Please advise on the respective percentages of delays caused by non-weather reasons out of
all departing flights over the past five years (please list by reason).
Asked by: Hon CHAN Kam-lam (Member Question No. 2)
Reply:
Flight delays are attributable to a number of factors, such as bad weather, airspace
restrictions, unexpected aircraft unserviceability and airlines’ ad hoc service changes.
The total numbers of departure passenger flights delayed by more than 15 minutes at the
Hong Kong International Airport in the past five years are shown in the table below. The
CAD does not have a breakdown of the number of flight delays caused by the
above-mentioned attributable factors.
Year
Total number of
passenger
departure flights
Year-on-year
percentage
change of total
number of
passenger
departure flights
Number of
passenger flights
delayed by more
than 15 minutes
on departure Note
Percentage of
delayed
passenger
departure flights Note
2011-12 141 750 +6.1% 31 185 22%
2012-13 148 593 +4.8% 40 120 27%
2013-14 155 723 +4.8% 48 274 31%
2014-15 166 441 +6.9% 56 590 34%
2015-16 (Up to 31
January
2016)
142 793 --- 57 117 40%
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2
Note
A departure flight is delayed when its actual departure time at the parking stand is later than
the time of the slot allocated by the CAD.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)002
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1092)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Airport Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Government has indicated that it will monitor aircraft noise and flight tracks, and
implement the noise abatement programme in 2016-17. Will the Government inform this
Committee:
(1) of the details of the above measures, the operating expenses, staffing establishment
and estimated expenditure on salaries involved;
(2) of the respective estimated expenditure on salaries for the Assistant Director-General
of Civil Aviation (Airport Standards) and Senior Operations Officer (Environmental
Management) under the Programme of Airport Standards;
(3) of the reasons for failing to solve the problem of aircraft noise at root over the years;
(4) whether it will set standards for the problem of aircraft noise to assess the
effectiveness of noise abatement measures; and
(5) whether it will provide information about aircraft noise at various times in different
months, including the aircraft noise exposure forecast (NEF) contour maps at various
times each month, so that the public will understand better the scope of aircraft noise
impact at various times. If yes, what are the details? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip (Member Question No. 3)
Reply:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4
(1) to (4)
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has implemented a number of aircraft noise
abatement measures based on the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO):
(i) between midnight and 07:00 am, subject to acceptable operational and safety
consideration, arriving aircraft are required to land from the southwest. This
measure aims at reducing the number of aircraft overflying populated areas such
as Shatin, Tsuen Wan, Sham Tseng and Tsing Lung Tau;
(ii) between 11:00 pm and 07:00 am, subject to acceptable operational and safety
consideration, aircraft departing to the northeast of the Hong Kong International
Airport (HKIA) are required to use the southbound route via the West Lamma
Channel. This measure aims at reducing the number of aircraft overflying
populated areas such as the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island;
(iii) aircraft departing to the northeast of the HKIA are required to adopt the noise
abatement take-off procedures so as to reduce the noise impact on areas located
in the vicinity of the HKIA. Aircraft adopting the procedures are required to
reduce their power upon reaching an altitude of 800 feet or above to abate aircraft
noise;
(iv) all aircraft approaching the HKIA from the northeast between 11:00 pm and
07:00 am are required to adopt the Continuous Descent Approach (CDA), subject
to operational considerations. As aircraft on the CDA fly higher and normally
on a low power/low drag configuration, noise experienced in areas such as Sai
Kung and Ma On Shan will be lowered;
(v) to reduce aircraft noise at source, only aircraft complying with the noise
standards in Chapter 3 of Part II, Volume I, Annex 16 to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation (Chapter 3 noise standards) and the Civil Aviation
(Aircraft Noise) Ordinance (Cap 312) are allowed to operate in Hong Kong.
This measure is comparable to that of other major international airports;
(vi) the CAD has implemented a set of flight procedures whereby aircraft which
could use satellite-based navigation technology in their flights can adhere closely
to the nominal centre line of the flight track, when the aircraft depart to the
northeast of the HKIA and make south turn to the West Lamma Channel. This
keeps the aircraft at a distance away from the areas in the vicinity of the flight
paths, such as Ma Wan, and reduces the impact of aircraft noise on these areas;
and
(vii) starting from late March 2014, the CAD no longer allowed aircraft which are
marginally compliant with the Chapter 3 noise standards to land and take off in
Hong Kong between 11:00 pm and 07:00 am. With effect from late October
2014, this measure has been extended to cover the whole day, thus further
alleviating the aircraft noise impact on the local communities. Based on our
latest statistics, a number of airlines have introduced quieter passenger and cargo
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5
aircraft such as B777-300ER, A330, A380, B777F, B787 and B747-8F. The
CAD will continue to monitor and liaise actively with airlines on their progress
in fleet modernisation.
The CAD also monitors the noise caused by aircraft operations through a computerised
Aircraft Noise and Flight Track Monitoring System (ANFTMS). The ANFTMS
comprises 16 outdoor noise monitoring terminals (NMTs) which are located along or
close to the flight paths operating into and out of the HKIA, and a computer to
correlate the noise data with the aircraft flight tracks recorded by the CAD’s radar
system. In 2016-17, the estimated expenditure for the maintenance of the ANFTMS
is $2.5 million. The monitoring and implementation of the above noise abatement
measures is undertaken by the CAD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties under
Programme (2).
For 2016-17, the notional annual salary cost at mid-point of the Assistant
Director-General of Civil Aviation (Airport Standards) and the Senior Operations
Officer (Environmental Management) under Programme (2) Airport Standards are
$1,973,400 and $1,309,080 respectively.
(5) The NEF contours, which are used primarily for land use planning purpose, do not
measure or monitor the daily noise level of aircraft. For daily monitoring purpose,
the ANFTMS is a more appropriate tool. The noise data collected by the ANFTMS
are consolidated and regularly uploaded onto the CAD’s website for the information of
the public.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)003
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1093)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government inform this Committee of the estimated full-year expenditure on the
salaries of the Director-General of Civil Aviation and Deputy Director-General of Civil
Aviation in 2016-17?
Asked by: Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip (Member Question No. 4)
Reply:
For 2016-17, the notional annual salary cost at mid-point of the Director-General of Civil
Aviation is $2,831,400. The total notional annual salary cost at mid-point of the two
Deputy Directors-General of Civil Aviation is $4,581,600, including one permanent post
and one supernumerary post.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)004
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2560)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) states in this Programme that it will continue to
co-ordinate with neighbouring Area Control Centres to rationalise and optimise the airspace
design of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in 2016-17. Please inform this Committee of
the following:
(1) Whether there is a schedule for optimising the airspace design of the PRD region? If
yes, what are the details?
(2) What are the operating expenses, staff establishment and salary expenditure for the
aforesaid work in 2016-17?
(3) What are the operating expenses, staff establishment and salary expenditure under
Programme (3) in 2016-17?
(4) What is the salary expenditure for the Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation
(Air Traffic Engineering Services) in 2016-17?
Asked by: Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip (Member Question No. 47)
Reply:
(1) and (2)
The Civil Aviation Administration of China, the CAD and the Civil Aviation Authority of
Macao jointly established the Tripartite Working Group (TWG) in 2004 to formulate
measures to enhance the air traffic management arrangements in the PRD region in order to
rationalise and optimise the PRD airspace management. The TWG drew up the “Pearl
River Delta Region Air Traffic Management Planning and Implementation Plan (Version
2.0)” (the Plan) in 2007, based on the principles of joint airspace planning, use of common
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8
standards, and harmonised flight procedure design, setting out various air traffic
management enhancement measures to be adopted.
Over the years, a number of airspace enhancement measures in the Plan have been
successfully implemented, including the establishment of additional handover points,
peripheral flight paths in the PRD region, the adjustment of the Zhuhai airspace structure,
etc. In January 2016, through the co-operation platform of the TWG, new air routes for the
eastern part of the Mainland and an additional handover point for flights operating between
Hong Kong, Macao and the eastern part of the Mainland have also been successfully
implemented. This measure enhances the efficiency of air routes for the eastern part of the
Mainland.
In 2016-17, the CAD will continue discussions on the PRD airspace management through
the TWG in order to enhance the use of airspace in a progressive manner.
The above co-ordination work is undertaken by the existing CAD staff as part of their
normal duties under Programme (3). No additional expenses are involved.
(3) For 2016-17, the total number of staff involved under Programme (3) including
general administrative support staff is 487. The total provision for 2016-17 is $425.8
million, comprising operating expenses of $100.6 million, and annual salaries in terms of
notional annual mid-point salary of $325.2 million.
(4) For 2016-17, the notional annual salary cost at mid-point of the Assistant
Director-General of Civil Aviation (Air Traffic Engineering Services) is $1,973,400.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)005
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2464)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(1) Please provide the annual number and details of the measures to rationalise and
optimise the airspace design of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in the past 10
years.
(2) Please provide the annual number and details of the reviews and evaluations of air
traffic control and flight procedures for airports in the PRD region in the past 10 years.
(3) Please provide details of arrival flights on missed approaches in the past five years,
including the number of flights, flight number, aircraft type, time and date of
occurrence, Standard Instrument Arrival (STAR) procedures or other arrival
procedures, missed approach procedures and reasons.
(4) Please provide details of the flights using Route M503 since the commissioning of it,
including the number of flights, flight number, aircraft type and date.
Asked by: Hon Albert HO Chun-yan (Member Question No. 40)
Reply:
(1) and (2)
The Civil Aviation Administration of China, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the
Civil Aviation Authority of Macao jointly established the Tripartite Working Group (TWG)
in 2004 to formulate measures to rationalise the air traffic management arrangements in the
PRD region, in order to optimise the use of and enhance flight safety in the PRD airspace
with a view to supporting air traffic growth in the PRD region. The TWG drew up the
“Pearl River Delta Region Air Traffic Management Planning and Implementation Plan
(Version 2.0)” (the Plan) in 2007, based on the principles of joint airspace planning, use of
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 0
common standards, and harmonised flight procedure design, setting out various air traffic
management enhancement measures to be adopted.
Over the years, a number of airspace enhancement measures in the Plan have been
successfully implemented, including the establishment of additional handover points,
peripheral flight paths in the PRD region, the adjustment of the Zhuhai airspace structure,
etc. In January 2016, through the co-operation platform of the TWG, new air routes for the
eastern part of the Mainland and an additional handover point for flights operating between
Hong Kong, Macao and the eastern part of the Mainland have been successfully
implemented. This measure enhances the efficiency of air routes for the eastern part of the
Mainland.
Since the establishment of the TWG in 2004, more than 40 meetings at different levels have
been held in the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, which were mainly attended by officers
of the aviation authorities of the three sides.
(3)
The statistics of missed approaches for the past five years are tabulated below:
Year
Due to weather
(Note 1)
Due to operational
reasons
(Note 2)
Total
2011 139 73 212
2012 145 92 237
2013 238 114 352
2014 233 102 335
2015 235 121 356
Note 1: The term “weather” here refers to unfavourable wind conditions, heavy rain, low
visibility, significant windshear, etc.
Note 2: Reasons include runway not available (e.g. due to other traffic or suspected
foreign objects), and other flight operations considerations as reported by pilots,
etc.
The CAD does not have a breakdown of missed approaches in respect of flight number, type
of aircraft, occurrence time or type of approach. Typically, missed approaches could take
place on all four runways i.e. 07L, 07R, 25L and 25R irrespective of types of approach and
aircraft types, and the published standard missed approach procedure for the respective
runway would be followed by aircraft carrying out missed approach.
(4)
From the implementation of air route M503 on 7 January 2016 to 29 February 2016, a total
of 1 981 flights had operated on air route M503. Flight operation via M503 is on a daily
basis. Aircraft types include A330, A320, B737, B747 and B777.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)006
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0220)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The third runway of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is targeted for completion
in 2023. With the expansion of the HKIA, the demand for air traffic control (ATC) staff
will also increase. Does the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) have any training plan for
these staff in the 2016-17 financial year? If so, what are the estimated expenditure and
details of the plan? If not, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Hon Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung (Member Question No. 4)
Reply:
The CAD will take into account the latest development at the HKIA to recruit and train the
ATC staff to support operational needs. The CAD regularly provides the ATC officers at
various ranks with both in-house and overseas specialised training, and such training
courses are also planned for 2016-17.
In-house training courses are conducted by the CAD staff as part of their normal duties and
no additional expenses will be incurred. In 2016-17, overseas specialised training courses
will be arranged for the various ranks of the ATC staff on various aspects related to the
performing of the ATC duties and related work, including Airspace Design, Flight
Procedure design, Air Traffic Management Safety Investigation and Analysis, Instructional
Techniques, etc. The estimated expenditure involved is $4.35 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)007
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0221)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
It is mentioned in Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2016-17 that the Civil Aviation
Department (CAD) will continue to co-ordinate with neighbouring Area Control Centres
(ACCs) to rationalise and optimise the airspace design of the Pearl River Delta (PRD)
region. Please elaborate on the staffing provision and work involved.
Asked by: Hon Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung (Member Question No. 5)
Reply:
The Civil Aviation Administration of China, the CAD and the Civil Aviation Authority of
Macao jointly established the Tripartite Working Group (TWG) in 2004 to formulate
measures to enhance the air traffic management arrangements in the PRD region in order to
rationalise and optimise the PRD airspace management. The TWG drew up the “Pearl
River Delta Region Air Traffic Management Planning and Implementation Plan (Version
2.0)” (the Plan) in 2007, based on the principles of joint airspace planning, use of common
standards, and harmonised flight procedure design, setting out various air traffic
management enhancement measures to be adopted.
Over the years, a number of airspace enhancement measures in the Plan have been
successfully implemented, including the establishment of additional handover points,
peripheral flight paths in the PRD region, the adjustment of the Zhuhai airspace structure,
etc. In January 2016, through the co-operation platform of the TWG, new air routes for the
eastern part of the Mainland and an additional handover point for flights operating between
Hong Kong, Macao and the eastern part of the Mainland have also been successfully
implemented. This measure enhances the efficiency of air routes for the eastern part of the
Mainland.
In 2016-17, the CAD will continue discussions on the PRD airspace management through
the TWG in order to enhance the use of airspace in a progressive manner, with a view to
further increasing the air transport capacity in the PRD region.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 3
The above co-ordination work is undertaken by the existing CAD staff as part of their
normal duties under Programme (3). No additional expenses are involved.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)008
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0140)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: It is expected that there will be a net increase of nine posts including one supernumerary
post in the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) in 2016-17. Please state why the
supernumerary post is required and also the nature of the other eight posts. Asked by: Dr Hon LAU Wong-fat (Member Question No. 6) Reply:
The net increase of nine posts in 2016-17 involves the creation of ten new posts and deletion
of one time-limited post upon its expiry. The rank, nature and purpose of the posts
concerned are summarised as follows:
- End -
No. of post to be created (+)/
deleted (-) and rank
Nature
Purpose
+1 Administrative Officer Staff
Grade B (AOSGB)
Supernumerary To strengthen the administrative control and
management of the CAD, and to take forward various
key projects, e.g. review manpower demand and
supply for the Three-Runway System (3RS) project,
regulation of unmanned aircraft systems, etc.
+1 Chief Executive Officer Time-limited To provide executive, clerical and secretarial support
to the supernumerary AOSGB post. +1 Senior Executive Officer
+1 Personal Secretary I
+1 Assistant Clerical Officer
+1 Senior Operations Officer Time-limited To perform planning and co-ordination work in
respect of the implementation of the 3RS. +1 Air Traffic Control Officer I
+1 Electronic Engineer
+1 Operations Officer Permanent To strengthen the air cargo security controls under
the Regulated Agent Regime. +1 Air Traffic Flight Services
Officer II
-1 Operations Officer Time-limited To reinforce the new air cargo security standards.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)009
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2768)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Flight Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The provision for Programme (1) Flight Standards in 2016-17 is $115.6 million. Will the
Government advise on:
(1) the amount of provision earmarked for examining the applications for flying
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS); and
(2) whether there is any estimation of the number of applications for flying the UAS
weighing more than seven kilogrammes (kgs) (without its fuel)? If yes, on what
basis is such estimation arrived at? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen (Member Question No. 16)
Reply:
(1) Processing of applications for operating the UAS is undertaken by the Civil
Aviation Department (CAD)’s existing staff as part of their normal duties. There
is no separate breakdown of expenditure for this purpose.
(2) In the past three years, less than 3% of applications processed by the CAD for
operating the UAS involved UAS exceeding seven kgs (without its fuel).
Presently, the UASs available in market in Hong Kong are mostly small in size,
weighing not more than seven kgs (without its fuel). Therefore, the number of the
applications for operating the UAS exceeding seven kgs (without its fuel) is not
expected to rise significantly. The CAD will continue to monitor the trend of
applications received.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)010
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2882)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2016-17 under Programme (4), the Civil Aviation
Department (CAD) stated that it will “continue to enhance the maintenance programme for
the existing air traffic control (ATC) systems to meet the air traffic growth”. Will the
Government inform this Committee of the following:
(1) How much resources and manpower has the CAD allocated to air traffic control in the
past three years? What are the results?
(2) In a recent fatal aircraft accident in the Tolo Channel, a Senior Safety Officer of the
CAD, who was also an experienced flying instructor, died when a light aircraft he was
flying at his leisure time plunged into the sea. What emergency actions has the CAD
taken in this accident? Will the CAD provide death gratuity and suitable
psychological counselling to the bereaved family? If yes, what are the details?
(3) With the growth in air traffic, Hong Kong’s demand for flight crew increases steadily.
Will the CAD process more local and overseas flight crew examination papers in line
with the circumstances? If yes, what are the details? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Dr Hon Priscilla LEUNG Mei-fun (Member Question No. 11)
Reply:
(1) In order to meet the air traffic growth at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)
as well as traffic transiting the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (HKFIR), the
CAD has been deploying resources to perform air traffic control services. The total
number of relevant staff in the CAD establishment viz. Air Traffic Control Officers I
(ATCO I), ATCO II, ATCO III and Student Air Traffic Control Officers (SATCO)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 7
who provide such services, and the total annual salaries, in the past three financial
years are tabulated as follows:
No. of staff
Total Annual Salaries
(notional annual mid-point salary)
$ million
2013-14 273 212.70
2014-15 273 224.98
2015-16 274 243.16
The CAD also provides training to ATCOs to ensure that they meet and maintain the
standard required for discharging the air traffic control duties. In the past three years,
over 120 Certificates of Competence were issued to the licensed ATCOs. In addition
to in-house training courses conducted by the CAD existing staff, the actual
expenditure on overseas specialised training courses attended by various ranks of the
ATC staff on various aspects related to the performing of the ATC duties and related
work are listed as follows:
Actual Expenditure
$ million
2013-14 1.22
2014-15 0.91
2015-16 7.41 Note
(provisional)
Note: Including training for the newly appointed SATCOs The CAD has continued to refine and implement various air traffic management
enhancement measures such that the runway capacity of the HKIA has been increased
from 63 runway movements per hour in 2013 to the maximum capacity of 68 for the
existing two-runway system in October 2015. At the same time, improvement
measures have also been implemented in the HKFIR to enhance route capacity, the
number of transiting flights handled has accordingly been increased from about
223 000 in 2013 to 250 000 in 2015.
In addition, the CAD has stepped up maintenance efforts for the existing ATC
systems. The average annual expenditure for the existing Air Traffic Management
System (ATMS) in 2013-14 and 2014-15 was $5.9 million. The system’s capability
has been enhanced to handle increasing volume of air traffic and ensure its safe and
reliable operations. This proactive maintenance programme, as part of the regular
equipment maintenance work, has been in place and no additional cost would be
incurred from 2015-16 onwards. (2) In the event of aircraft accident or incident occurs within the HKFIR, there is a
Departmental Emergency Procedures Manual which sets out the instructions on
emergency arrangement. For the aircraft accident occurred on 27 February 2016,
upon receipt of the notification of the incident from the Hong Kong Police Force, the
CAD followed the established procedures and activated immediately the emergency
alerting procedures and deployed the search and rescue operation with the relevant
departments and search and rescue units. The Chief Inspector of Accidents had
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 8
ordered an inspector’s investigation of the accident in accordance with the Hong Kong
Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations. The investigation is
on-going. The investigation team had conducted witness interviews and examined
the aircraft wreckage for an initial assessment. As the deceased pilot of this aircraft accident was an officer of the CAD, the CAD had
closely liaised with the officer’s family to follow up on the payment of the death
gratuity in accordance with established civil service rules and procedures, and would
provide necessary assistance to the family as far as possible. (3) As a result of the expanding airline businesses, the number of applications for flight
crew examinations has increased in recent years. In this connection, the number of
local and overseas flight crew examination papers processed by the CAD in 2015 is
about two times the number in 2014. However, as the examination is conducted on a
one-off basis for each flight crew, the CAD expects that the number will remain at a
similar level in 2016.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 1 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)011
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0206)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (5) Air Services and Safety Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding “tariff filings processed”, will the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) advise this
Committee:
(a) whether the estimation that the number of filings processed this year will be 186 less
than that of last year is based on considerations about economic outlook; if yes, the
details; if no, the reasons for that;
(b) of the circumstances that warrant making tariff filings to the CAD; and
(c) of the number of filings rejected in the past three years and the reasons concerned?
Asked by: Hon Abraham SHEK Lai-him (Member Question No. 1)
Reply:
(a) and (b)
In accordance with bilateral Air Services Agreements (ASAs) signed between Hong
Kong and its aviation partners, tariffs for the carriage of passengers and cargo to be
charged by airlines shall be approved by the relevant aeronautical authorities. The
CAD is the aeronautical authority in Hong Kong responsible for the processing of
tariff filings by airlines. Airlines providing scheduled air services to and from Hong
Kong shall file with the CAD tariffs according to the provisions in the ASAs.
Airlines file tariffs with the CAD from time to time depending on their sales strategy
and the prevailing demand for their services, etc. The CAD observes that the number
of filings is rather stable in the past years. The estimated number of tariff filings for
2016 reflects a moving average of a three-year period.
(c) In the past three years, the CAD processed about 8 900 tariff filings and about 120
filings were not approved. According to the provisions in the ASAs, tariffs shall be
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 0
charged at reasonable levels, due regard being paid to all relevant factors including the
cost of operating the services, interests of users, reasonable profit, etc. The CAD will
take into account all relevant factors and the justifications provided by airlines. In
accordance with the provisions in the ASAs, the CAD will reject the filings if such
proposed tariffs are considered not reasonable or the justifications provided for such
proposed tariffs are considered insufficient.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)012
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0461)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Air Traffic Engineering Services
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Under Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2016-17, during 2016-17, the Department
will commission the new air traffic control (ATC) systems and ensure their safe, stable and
reliable operation. Given that the Administration has stated that the new ATC systems will
be ready for operation in the first half of 2016, will the Administration inform this
Committee the latest progress and the latest commission date? Has the Civil Aviation
Department (CAD) overcome all the outstanding hardware-related problems and
software-related problems concerning the new ATC systems? Please provide details about
the outstanding problems.
Asked by: Hon Abraham SHEK Lai-him (Member Question No. 29)
Reply:
Ensuring aviation safety and expeditious air traffic management is the topmost priority of
the CAD. The CAD has conducted stringent acceptance tests and comprehensive safety
assessment on the new ATC systems in accordance with international aviation safety
management standards and established government procedures, to ensure that the systems
operation is in compliance with the contract conditions and safety arrangement
requirements. Seven out of the eight major systems of the new ATC systems have been
put into use by phases since 2013.
For the remaining Air Traffic Management System (ATMS), all the acceptance test events
have been completed in September 2015 in accordance with the requirements specified in
the contract. The CAD is generally satisfied with the test results with all outstanding
priority items addressed by the system supplier.
Meanwhile, the CAD has been delivering training sessions to ATC staff and relevant
operation staff on an on-going basis, to help them acquire the necessary competency and
build up confidence to perform operational duties with the new ATMS.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 2
According to the current progress and subject to further review on the system and staff
readiness, the new ATMS should be ready for operation by June 2016 to handle live air
traffic in a progressive manner. The Government reported the latest progress of the
implementation plan of the new ATMS to the Legislative Council Panel on Economic
Development on 24 March 2016.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)013
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2380)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Airport Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
During 2016–17, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will “continue to monitor aircraft
noise and flight tracks, and implement the noise abatement programme.” What are the
specific measures? What is the estimated expenditure involved? What are the specific
criteria for assessing the effectiveness? In addition, concerning the long-standing aircraft
noise problem suffered by the residents in Ma Wan, are there any specific measures to
rectify the problem? Will more resources be allocated in this respect?
Asked by: Hon Michael TIEN Puk-sun (Member Question No.42 )
Reply:
The CAD has implemented a number of aircraft noise abatement measures based on the
guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to alleviate the noise
impact on local communities, including Ma Wan. These measures include:
(a) aircraft departing to the northeast of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)
are required to adopt the noise abatement take-off procedures so as to reduce
noise impact on areas in the vicinity of the HKIA. Aircraft adopting the
procedures are required to reduce their power upon reaching an altitude of 800
feet or above to abate aircraft noise;
(b) the CAD has implemented a set of flight procedures whereby aircraft which use
satellite-based navigation technology in their flights can adhere closely to the
nominal centre line of the flight track, when the aircraft depart to the northeast of
the HKIA and make south turn to the West Lamma Channel. This keeps the
aircraft at a distance away from the areas in the vicinity of the flight paths, in
particular Ma Wan, and reduces the impact of aircraft noise on these areas;
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 4
(c) to reduce aircraft noise at source, only aircraft complying with the noise
standards in Chapter 3 of Part II, Volume I, Annex 16 to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation (Chapter 3 noise standards) and the Civil Aviation
(Aircraft Noise) Ordinance (Cap 312) are allowed to operate in Hong Kong.
This measure is comparable to that of other major international airports; and
(d) starting from late March 2014, the CAD no longer allowed aircraft which are
marginally compliant with the Chapter 3 noise standards to land and take off in
Hong Kong between 11:00 pm and 07:00 am. With effect from late October
2014, this measure has been extended to cover the whole day, thus further
alleviating the aircraft noise impact on the local communities.
Apart from the above measures which can alleviate the noise impact in Ma Wan, with the
advancement of aviation technology, aircraft engines are quieter than before, and the
improved design of airframe has also helped reduce noise significantly. Based on our
latest statistics, a number of airlines have introduced quieter passenger and cargo aircraft
such as B777-300ER, A330, A380, B777F, B787 and B747-8F. The ratios of
newer-model aircraft in their fleets are on the rise. To alleviate the aircraft noise impact at
Ma Wan, the CAD will continue to monitor and liaise actively with airlines on progress in
fleet modernisation.
In addition to the above, the CAD has implemented other measures which can alleviate the
overall noise impact on local communities:
(a) between midnight and 07:00 am, subject to acceptable operational and safety
consideration, arriving aircraft are required to land from the southwest. This
measure aims at reducing the number of aircraft overflying populated areas such
as Shatin, Tsuen Wan, Sham Tseng and Tsing Lung Tau;
(b) between 11:00 pm and 07:00 am, subject to acceptable operational and safety
consideration, aircraft departing to the northeast of the HKIA are required to use
the southbound route via the West Lamma Channel. This measure aims at
reducing the number of aircraft overflying populated areas such as the Kowloon
Peninsula and Hong Kong Island; and
(c) all aircraft approaching the HKIA from the northeast between 11:00 pm and
07:00 am are required to adopt the Continuous Descent Approach (CDA), subject
to operational considerations. As aircraft on the CDA fly higher and normally
on a low power/low drag configuration, noise experienced in areas such as Sai
Kung and Ma On Shan will be lowered.
The CAD also monitors the noise caused by aircraft operations through a computerised
Aircraft Noise and Flight Track Monitoring System (ANFTMS). The ANFTMS comprises
16 outdoor noise monitoring terminals (NMTs) which are located along or close to the flight
paths operating into and out of the HKIA, and a computer to correlate the noise data with
the aircraft flight tracks recorded by the CAD’s radar system. One of the NMTs is located
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 5
at Ma Wan. The noise data collected by the NMTs are consolidated and regularly
uploaded onto the CAD’s website.
In 2016-17, the estimated expenditure for the maintenance of the ANFTMS is $2.5 million.
The monitoring and implementation of the above noise abatement measures is undertaken
by the CAD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties under Programme (2).
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)014
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1899)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has adopted the new Air Traffic Control (ATC)
systems to improve air traffic control and air navigation services. However, the media
have alleged many times that there are deficiencies in the ATC systems. While the CAD
has denied any malfunctioning of the system, has it put in place any air traffic control
contingency or emergency measures? If yes, please give an overview of the relevant
measures.
The Transport and Housing Bureau and the Airport Authority Hong Kong insist on building
the third runway. In the face of increasing air traffic in future, how will the CAD ensure
air traffic safety, apart from updating the system and employing staff?
Asked by: Hon WONG Yuk-man (Member Question No. 24)
Reply:
Ensuring aviation safety and expeditious air traffic management is the topmost priority of
the CAD. The CAD has conducted stringent acceptance tests and comprehensive safety
assessment on the new Air Traffic Management System (ATMS), which is part of the ATC
systems, in accordance with international aviation safety management standards and
established government procedures to ensure that the system operation is in compliance
with the contract conditions and safety management requirements.
The ATMS is designed with three levels of operating systems, namely the Main System, the
Fallback System and the Ultimate Fallback System (UFS). The Main System is a
self-contained system capable to deliver on its own the full ATMS system capacity,
functions and capabilities. The Fallback System is a separate but identical system to the
Main System for continuing the operations of the ATMS in case the Main System becomes
inoperative or defective. At all times, the Main System and the Fallback System will back
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 7
up each other, allowing operational staff to discharge air traffic control duties without
interruption. The UFS is a separate system fully independent from the Main System and
the Fallback System. Although highly unlikely, in the event that both the Main and
Fallback Systems fail, the UFS will be used for the provision of air traffic control service.
The CAD has always strived to ensure aviation safety with high professionalism and rigour.
To this end, the CAD will continue to:
(a) refine air traffic operating procedures to enhance flight safety and route capacity of the
Hong Kong Flight Information Region; and
(b) implement the safety management system in accordance with International Civil
Aviation Organization’s requirements to reduce risk and ensure a high level of safety
in our air traffic services.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)015
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1562)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please list by year and type the complaints concerning airlines received in the past five
years, including but not limited to complaints relating to services, oversale of air tickets and
overcharging of fuel surcharge.
Asked by: Hon YIU Si-wing (Member Question No. 338)
Reply:
The number of complaints concerning airlines’ services received by the Civil Aviation
Department in the past five years is summarised in the table below:
Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
No. of complaints 25 65 128 213 147
The complaints received concern diverse issues and there is no ready breakdown on the
nature of the complaints.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)016
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0103)
Head: (33) Civil Engineering and Development Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Provision of Land and Infrastructure
Controlling Officer: Director of Civil Engineering and Development
(Daniel K W CHUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2016-17 of Provision of Land and Infrastructure
mentions the commencement of the construction works for the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin
Tunnel (TKO-LTT).
The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) is carrying out the detailed
design of the two projects of the TKO-LTT and the Cross Bay Link (CBL). Meanwhile,
this year’s Policy Address stated that Tseung Kwan O Area 137 would be re-planned. In
the detailed design, would the CEDD extend these roads to Area 137 in order to meet future
traffic demand? If no, why?
Asked by: Hon IP Kwok-him (Member Question No. 56)
Reply:
The Government has been identifying suitable land for the long-term development
(including the housing development) of Hong Kong. In view of this, the Planning
Department and the CEDD will conduct a planning and engineering (P&E) study with a
view to re-planning Tseung Kwan O Area 137, which is a sizeable piece of land in the urban
area with potential for large-scale developments. The CEDD anticipates that the P&E study
will be commissioned in end 2016/early 2017 the earliest. The Transport and Housing
Bureau and relevant departments will closely monitor the progress of the P&E study, and
evaluate the feasibility of proposed measures which form the basis for planning the
long-term transport infrastructure required.
On the other hand, the TKO-LTT connects Po Shun Road and the proposed CBL, Tseung
Kwan O in the east and the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC) and Cha Kwo Ling Road of
Kwun Tong in the west. We will seek funding approval for the construction of the main
tunnel and associated works of TKO-LTT (excluding the Cha Kwo Ling tunnel section)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0
within this legislative year with a view to commencing construction works in July 2016 for
completion in mid 2021. In future, residents of Tseung Kwan O Area 137 and nearby areas
will be able to travel to East Kowloon via Wan Po Road, the CBL and the TKO-LTT, and
travel to the Eastern District via the EHC.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)017
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2437)
Head: (33) Civil Engineering and Development Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Provision of Land and Infrastructure
Controlling Officer: Director of Civil Engineering and Development
(Daniel K W CHUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
When will the works for the Tseung Kwan O - Lam Tin Tunnel (TKO-LTT) be formally
commenced? What are the details of the design, commissioning date and progress of
works? Besides, is the cost of the tunnel higher that the estimate in 2015-16? If yes,
what are the reasons?
Asked by: Dr Hon Elizabeth QUAT (Member Question No. 17)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The detailed design of the TKO-LTT project was substantially completed in end-2015.
The Transport and Housing Bureau and the Civil Engineering and Development Department
(CEDD) will seek funding approval for the main tunnel and associated works of the
TKO-LTT (excluding the Cha Kwo Ling tunnel section) from the Legislative Council
within this legislative session with a view to commencing construction works in July 2016
for completion by mid-2021.
In the preliminary design study completed in 2013, the cost of the TKO-LTT (inclusive of
the Cha Kwo Ling tunnel section) was estimated to be $8.2 billion in September 2013
prices. The provision for price adjustment was not included at that time. The CEDD
advised the public in May 2014 and May 2015 that this cost estimate was under review as
the detailed design had not yet been completed at the time. At present, based on the
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2
detailed design, the CEDD estimates that the cost for the main tunnel and associated works
of the TKO-LTT project is around $15 billion in money-of-the-day (MOD) prices.
Compared with the preliminary design, the detailed design has included several new
facilities such as bus-bus-interchange and footbridge system to meet public requirements.
The design has also been modified to comply with the latest engineering design standards
and to take into account the latest site investigation results. In addition, there has been
significant increase in construction prices compared to the price level adopted in the
preliminary design stage. Furthermore, the current project estimate in MOD prices
includes provision for price adjustment.
The CEDD will implement suitable cost control measures, including packaging the project
into several contracts for implementation, so as to increase the number of contractors
capable of undertaking the works with a view to achieving more competitive tender prices,
and adopting standard designs and precast units wherever practicable.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)018
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2597)
Head: (33) Civil Engineering and Development Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Provision of Land and Infrastructure
Controlling Officer: Director of Civil Engineering and Development
(Daniel K W CHUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section), what is the progress of the
design; and the progress and timetable of the site investigation? Besides, how much works
expenditures are involved?
Asked by: Dr Hon Elizabeth QUAT (Member Question No. 55)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The detailed design of the “Widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Section)” project
commenced in December 2015. The site investigation works are expected to commence in
mid-2016. Both the detailed design and site investigation works are scheduled for
completion by end-2017.
The estimated cost of the detailed design and site investigation works for the project is
$43.2 million (in money-of-the-day prices).
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)019
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2388)
Head: (33) Civil Engineering and Development Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Port and Marine Facilities
Controlling Officer: Director of Civil Engineering and Development
(Daniel K W CHUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
During 2016-17, the Civil Engineering and Development Department will complete the
improvement works to the Sai Kung Public Pier. Will the Government inform this
Committee of the completion date and the latest estimated expenditures of the related
works?
Asked by: Hon James TIEN Pei-chun (Member Question No. 41)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The improvement works to the Sai Kung Public Pier is expected to be completed by
mid-2016. The project estimate is about $30 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)020
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1446)
Head: (42) Electrical and Mechanical Services Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Mechanical Installations Safety
Controlling Officer: Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (CHAN Fan)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) will continue to
promote and implement the voluntary registration schemes for vehicle mechanics and
vehicle maintenance workshops, as well as to conduct an in-depth study on the development
of a mandatory registration system for both vehicle mechanics and vehicle maintenance
workshops. Please advise this Committee:
(a) the number and the percentage of registered vehicle mechanics and workshops under
the voluntary registration schemes for vehicle mechanics and vehicle maintenance
workshops in 2015-16;
(b) the resources for handling the work and work details and targets of the voluntary
registration schemes for vehicle mechanics and vehicle maintenance workshops in
2016-17; and
(c) the progress of the study on the development of a mandatory registration system for
both vehicle mechanics and workshops, and when the system will be implemented.
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 23)
Reply:
(a) As of 18 March 2016, there were 6 773 vehicle mechanics registered under the
voluntary registration scheme, representing about 74% of the total vehicle mechanics
in Hong Kong. Besides, since the implementation of the voluntary registration
scheme for vehicle maintenance workshops on 15 July 2015, 740 vehicle maintenance
workshops have been successfully registered so far, amounting to about 27% of the
total vehicle maintenance workshops in Hong Kong. The EMSD is processing about
400 applications.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 6
(b) The EMSD will continue to promote the voluntary registration schemes for vehicle
mechanics and vehicle maintenance workshops in 2016-17 through various means,
including television and radio announcements in the public interest, as well as
newsletters and promotional visits to vehicle mechanics and vehicle maintenance
workshops. The budgeted expenditure involved in implementing and promoting the
voluntary registration schemes for vehicle mechanics and vehicle maintenance
workshops is $6.77 million in 2016-17. There is no separate breakdown of the
budgeted expenditure for the two schemes.
(c) The EMSD has commenced an in-depth study on the feasibility of putting in place a
mandatory registration system for the vehicle maintenance trade (including both
mechanics and workshops), with regard to the experience of the two voluntary
registration schemes for vehicle mechanics and vehicle maintenance workshops. In
considering a possible regulatory framework for a mandatory registration system, a
survey is being carried out to gauge the general acceptance by the trade and the public
in respect of such mandatory registration. A regulatory impact assessment is also
being carried out to assess the net benefits of mandating the registration of vehicle
mechanics and vehicle maintenance workshops. The EMSD will also review the two
voluntary registration schemes in the third quarter of 2016. The EMSD will work
closely with the trade on the study.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)021
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2026)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) District and Maintenance Works
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Kap Shui Mun Bridge (the Bridge) was struck by a vessel in October 2015. In this
regard, please provide information on the damage to the bridge, the repair works concerned
and the details of repair costs. Has the Government taken any action against any person or
company to recover the relevant costs? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 163)
Reply:
During the ship collision incident at the Bridge in October 2015, the optical fibres of the
ship impact alarm system and six rails for supporting the inspection platform near the
mid-span of the Bridge, which are non-structural installations attached to the Bridge’s soffit,
were found damaged by the collision. Some bolts near these rails were also found missing.
The optical fibres were repaired in November 2015 and the missing bolts replaced in
January 2016. The damaged rails of the inspection gantry were removed in January 2016
and will be replaced by mid-2016. The costs of the relevant works have yet to be finalised.
The relevant parties at fault will be pursued, by court action if necessary, in order to recover
the relevant repair costs arising from the collision incident.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)022
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0734)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding “provision of barrier-free access (BFA) facilities at public footbridges, elevated
walkways and subways under the Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme” as stated in the
Estimates, please advise on the following:
(a) How many BFA facilities have been under planning and construction since the
commencement of the UA Programme? (Please list out by year with progress
included.)
(b) How many new BFA facilities are planned for this year? How much is allocated for
the expenses?
Asked by: Hon CHAN Kam-lam (Member Question No. 34)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The Government has been installing BFA facilities at public walkways (i.e. public
footbridges, elevated walkways and subways maintained by the Highways Department
(HyD)) for a number of years (the Original Programme) on the recommendation of the
Equal Opportunities Commission. The implementation of 150 items under the Original
Programme continues in the past three years, with most of the items anticipated for
progressive completion by 2018 as scheduled. As at 29 February 2016, 29 items (one item
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9
in 2013, nine items in 2014, 15 items in 2015 and four items in early 2016) have been
completed, 91 items (21 items commenced construction in 2013, 34 items in 2014 and 36
items in 2015) are under construction, and 13 items are anticipated to commence in
2016-17. The construction works for the remaining 17 items will commence as soon as
possible upon completion of detailed design and obtaining of support from the relevant
District Councils (DCs).
In August 2012, the Government launched the new UA Programme to further enhance the
BFA facilities for existing public walkways maintained by the HyD. Installation of lifts at
about 250 public walkways was proposed by the public. In the first half of 2013, we
invited all the 18 DCs to prioritise the new items in their districts proposed by the public.
Each DC selected three public walkways for priority implementation (the Expanded
Programme). The implementation of these priority items under the Expanded Programme
is well underway. Most of the retrofitting works items are anticipated for completion from
2017 to 2018 in phases. As at 29 February 2016, 49 priority items (one item commenced
in 2014 and 48 items in 2015) are under construction, seven priority items are anticipated to
commence construction in 2016-17 and one priority item will commence construction as
soon as possible upon completion of the investigation and design works, and obtaining of
support from the DC concerned.
The estimated expenditure on the UA Programme in 2016-17 is $788.7 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)023
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1523)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
It is noted that the Railway Development Office (RDO) of the Highways Department (HyD)
is responsible for the tasks under this programme. Will the Government inform this
Committee of the main duties, operational expenditure, staff establishment and full year
salary expenditure for the RDO of the HyD in the 2016-17 estimates?
Asked by: Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip (Member Question No. 25)
Reply:
In 2016-17, the major duties of the RDO are to –
(a) co-ordinate actions with bodies and departments concerned to speed up land
resumption and to resolve interface problems to facilitate implementation of the
railway projects;
(b) oversee the progress of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong
Kong Express Rail Link, the South Island Line (East), the Kwun Tong Line Extension
and the Shatin to Central Link to ensure their timely completion;
(c) continue to take forward the railway schemes recommended under the Railway
Development Strategy 2014;
(d) scrutinise submissions including project estimates by the MTR Corporation Limited on
the implementation of railway projects;
(e) co-ordinate with the Mainland authorities on cross-boundary infrastructure
developments; and
(f) continue to undertake route protection of the recommended railway projects and other
longer term proposals.
The HyD deploys in-house staff resources (with a projected staff establishment of 134 as at
31 March 2017), with the assistance of consultants on some specialised tasks, to monitor the
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1
implementation of the railway projects. The operating expenses, including staff salaries, of
the RDO in 2016-17 will be about $125.5 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)024
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2075)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government inform this Committee of the full year salary expenditure for the
Director of Highways in 2016-17?
Asked by: Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip (Member Question No. 36)
Reply:
For 2016-17, the notional annual salary cost at mid-point of the Director of Highways is
$2,831,400.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)025
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3206)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) District and Maintenance Works
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In this Programme, the expenditure on highways maintenance has increased from
$921 million in 2015 to $1,054 million in 2016 while 36 posts will be created in 2016-17.
In this regard, will the Government inform this Committee:
(a) the reason for the substantial increase in expenditure on highways maintenance; and
(b) the post titles, duties and full year estimated expenditure for the 36 posts.
Asked by: Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip (Member Question No. 53)
Reply:
(a) The increase in expenditure on highways maintenance is due to –
(i) cost escalation, especially for works-related costs; and
(ii) the commissioning and handing over of new highway and associated facilities to
the Highways Department (HyD) for maintenance.
(b) Thirty-six non-directorate posts will be created in 2016-17 in the HyD. The ranks,
annual staff costs (in terms of notional annual mid-point salary) and duties of these
new posts are summarised below –
Rank Number
of posts
Annual
Staff Cost ($) Duties
Senior Engineer 1 1,309,080 To strengthen the
capability of the New
Territories Regional Office
in dealing with district and
maintenance matters.
Engineer/Assistant Engineer 1 702,060
Inspector of Works 1 621,660
Assistant Inspector of Works 1 390,720
Works Supervisor I (Civil) 2 642,840
Works Supervisor II (Civil) 1 258,600
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4
Rank Number
of posts
Annual
Staff Cost ($) Duties
Senior Engineer 1 1,309,080 To assist in the taking over
(c) The titles, anticipated total expenditures and anticipated dates of completion of the
consultancy studies under the Programme are shown in the table below –
Title of Study Anticipated
Total Expenditure
($ million)
Anticipated
Completion Date
SCL - Monitoring and verification
(M&V) consultancy for construction,
testing and commissioning phase
190.9 2021
XRL - M&V consultancy for
construction, testing and commissioning
phase
199.2
2019**
** The main task for the M&V consultant after commissioning of the XRL is to
review the submissions and claims assessment reports made by the MTRCL’s
internal Project Control Group (which focuses on cost controls, consultancies and
other contract procurements, reviews of proposals, strategic issues and project
risks) in relation to preparing the final account.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)029
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2032)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The staff establishment under the Highways Department (HyD)’s Programme (3) Railway
Development is 134. In this respect, please provide a breakdown of the entire staff
establishment by post, salary, duties and responsibilities for overseeing:
(a) the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link
(XRL) project;
(b) the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) project; and
(c) the South Island Line (East) [(SIL(E)] project.
Asked by: Hon Gary FAN Kwok-wai (Member Question No. 60)
Reply:
(a) A dedicated division in the Railway Development Office (RDO) of the HyD is
responsible for the planning and implementation of the XRL project, including the
associated Essential Public Infrastructure Works (EPIW). The major duties and
responsibilities of the division include –
(i) monitoring the planning, design, implementation and commissioning of the
XRL entrusted to the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL);
(ii) administering the Public Works Programme items relating to the XRL,
including the associated EPIW, e.g. pedestrian linkage to the West Kowloon
Terminus;
(iii) administering the Entrustment Agreement for the construction of the XRL with
the MTRCL, and resolving claims and disputes arising from the XRL project;
(iv) with the assistance of the monitoring and verification (M&V) consultant,
monitoring the MTRCL to ensure proper adoption of appropriate strategy,
procedures and programmes on the engineering and financial aspects of the
XRL;
(v) preparing the documents for the gazettal of the schemes under relevant
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6
ordinances and resolving objections under the ordinances;
(vi) co-ordinating with other government bureaux/departments and resolving
interface matters related to the XRL; and
(vii) monitoring and reviewing the assessment of claims by the MTRCL for the XRL
construction contracts.
The HyD deploys in-house staff resources, with the assistance of its M&V consultant,
to monitor the implementation of the XRL project. As at March 2016, there are six
Senior Engineers (SEs), ten Engineers and one Assistant Engineer in the division*,
with a total estimated staff cost of $15.6 million in 2016-17. A number of staff
provide support to the dedicated division and other divisions in the RDO.
* A supernumerary Chief Engineer (CE) post in the dedicated division for the XRL
project lapsed on 7 July 2015. Pending approval of the Finance Committee of the
Legislative Council to re-create the post, the duties of the post are shared by the
other CEs in the RDO either directly or indirectly.
(b) Two divisions (one of the divisions is also responsible for overseeing the Kwun Tong
Line Extension project) in the RDO of the HyD are responsible for the planning and
implementation of the SCL project, including the associated EPIW. The major duties
and responsibilities of the divisions include –
(i) monitoring the planning, design, implementation and commissioning of the
SCL entrusted to the MTRCL;
(ii) administering the Public Works Programme items relating to the SCL,
including the associated EPIW, e.g. pedestrian walkway system at Tsz Wan
Shan;
(iii) administering the Entrustment Agreement for the construction of the SCL with
the MTRCL, and resolving claims and disputes arising from the SCL project;
(iv) with the assistance of the M&V consultant, monitoring the MTRCL to ensure
proper adoption of appropriate strategy, procedures and programmes on the
engineering and financial aspects of the SCL;
(v) preparing the documents for the gazettal of the schemes under relevant
ordinances and resolving objections under the ordinances;
(vi) co-ordinating with other government bureaux/departments and resolving
interface matters related to the SCL; and
(vii) monitoring and reviewing the assessment of claims by the MTRCL for the SCL
construction contracts.
The HyD deploys in-house staff resources, with the assistance of its M&V consultant,
to monitor the implementation of the SCL project. As at March 2016, there are two
CEs, six SEs and eight Engineers in the divisions, with a total estimated staff cost of
$16.8 million in 2016-17. A number of staff provide support to the two divisions and
other divisions in the RDO.
(c) A dedicated division in the RDO of the HyD is responsible for facilitating and
monitoring the implementation of the SIL(E) project by the MTRCL, including the
associated EPIW. The major duties and responsibilities of the division include –
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7
(i) monitoring the planning, design, implementation and commissioning of the
SIL(E) owned by the MTRCL;
(ii) administering the Public Works Programme item relating to the SIL(E), that is
the EPIW;
(iii) administering the Entrustment Agreement for the construction of the EPIW for
the SIL(E) with the MTRCL, and resolving claims and disputes arising from the
EPIW;
(iv) preparing the documents for the gazettal of the schemes under relevant
ordinances and resolving objections under the ordinances; and
(v) co-ordinating with other government bureaux/departments and resolving
interface matters related to the SIL(E).
The HyD deploys in-house staff resources to monitor the implementation of the SIL(E)
project. As at March 2016, there are one CE, two SEs and three Engineers in the
division, with a total estimated staff cost of $6.4 million in 2016-17. A number of
staff provide support to the dedicated division and other divisions in the RDO.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)030
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3113)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (272) Electricity for public lighting
Programme: (4) Technical Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2015-16, the expenditure of the Government on electricity for public lighting is lower
than that of the approved estimate. Please inform this Committee:
(a) why is there a reduction in the expenditure for electricity for public lighting as
compared to the original estimate?
(b) what are the electricity expenditures of the Government on road lighting for the past
three years?
(c) regarding the pledge of the Highways Department (HyD) to implement a trial scheme
in all districts across the territory to assess the performance and cost-effectiveness of
light emitting diode (LED) road lights, please provide in a list the updated figures of
road lights and low wattage LED road lights erected in the 18 districts of Hong Kong.
Asked by: Hon Gary FAN Kwok-wai (Member Question No. 46)
Reply:
(a) Subhead 272 Electricity for public lighting covers the expenditure for electricity of all
highways facilities, including public lighting, traffic signals, lifts and escalators for
footbridges and subways, and ventilation systems for public transport interchanges.
The decrease in the expenditure for 2015-16 is generally due to the one-off special fuel
rebate by a power company in August 2015, decrease in tariff by both power
companies in 2016, and lower than expected electricity consumption for the
programmed upgrading of some ventilation equipment at public transport
interchanges.
(b) The electricity charges for road lighting in the past three years (2013-14 to 2015-16) is
set out below –
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 (Estimate)
Electricity charges for road
lighting ($’000)
98,055 101,645 101,550
(c) It was noted that LED road lights should have better colour rendering and higher
reliability than high pressure sodium lamps (which are now widely adopted in Hong
Kong), but their cost-effectiveness was low as the prices of LED road lights meeting
the necessary certification (such as lighting test, safety and protection certification)
were very high. Nonetheless, the HyD commenced a trial scheme in 2009 and has
been closely monitoring the performance of a total of 171 LED road lights installed
under the trial scheme in seven districts (i.e. the Eastern, Wan Chai, Kowloon City,
Kwun Tong, North, Sai Kung and Sha Tin Districts). The findings of the trial so far
have confirmed the same.
Under the latest market situation, the prices of low- and medium-wattage LED lights
have dropped significantly, but are still higher than those of low- and medium-wattage
high pressure sodium lamps. Despite the merits of energy saving due to better colour
rendering, the cost-effectiveness of low- and medium-wattage LED lights is not
significant enough to justify utilisation on a large scale at the moment.
On the other hand, only a few models of high-wattage LED lights are available in the
market, and they are far more expensive than high-wattage high pressure sodium
lamps. Utilisation of high-wattage LED lights is therefore not considered justifiable
at the moment.
The HyD will continue to replace the aged lighting by installing more low- and
medium-wattage LED lights as appropriate under the trial scheme with a view to
further assessing the performance and cost-effectiveness of LED lights.
The geographical distribution of road lights and LED road lights installed under our
trial scheme is as follows –
District Number of road lights
(rounded to nearest ten)
Number of LED road
lights installed under
the trial scheme
Central and Western 5 170 0
Eastern 4 420 24
Southern 4 420 0
Wan Chai 3 530 23
Kowloon City 4 740 8
Kwun Tong 5 150 55
Sham Shui Po 4 600 0
Wong Tai Sin 2 490 0
Yau Tsim Mong 5 040 0
Islands 7 980 0
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0
District Number of road lights
(rounded to nearest ten)
Number of LED road
lights installed under
the trial scheme
Kwai Tsing 7 900 0
North 13 840 22
Sai Kung 9 740 30
Sha Tin 12 430 9
Tai Po 10 090 0
Tsuen Wan 7 700 0
Tuen Mun 9 140 0
Yuen Long 24 360 0
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)031
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3114)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Technical Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In the 2016-17 Estimates, 6 600 road lighting points will be completed by the Government,
which is less than that in 2015. Please provide information on:
(a) the reason for the drop in road lighting points; and
(b) in table form the numbers and details of complaints associated with excessive lighting
level of road lights received from the 18 districts across the territory in the past three
years –
2015 Total number
of complaints
Processing Lighting level
reduced
Central and Western
Wan Chai
Eastern
Southern
Kowloon City
Wong Tai Sin
Kwun Tong
Yau Tsim Mong
Sham Shui Po
Tsuen Wan
Kwai Tsing
Sai Kung
Sha Tin
Tai Po
North
Tuen Mun
Yuen Long
Islands
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2
2014 Total number
of complaints
Processing Lighting level
reduced
Central and Western
Wan Chai
Eastern
Southern
Kowloon City
Wong Tai Sin
Kwun Tong
Yau Tsim Mong
Sham Shui Po
Tsuen Wan
Kwai Tsing
Sai Kung
Sha Tin
Tai Po
North
Tuen Mun
Yuen Long
Islands
2013 Total number of
complaints
Processing Lighting level
reduced
Central and Western
Wan Chai
Eastern
Southern
Kowloon City
Wong Tai Sin
Kwun Tong
Yau Tsim Mong
Sham Shui Po
Tsuen Wan
Kwai Tsing
Sai Kung
Sha Tin
Tai Po
North
Tuen Mun
Yuen Long
Islands
Asked by: Hon Gary FAN Kwok-wai (Member Question No. 47)
Reply:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3
(a) The Highways Department (HyD) installed a total of 6 992 road lighting points in
2015 including replacement of existing aged road lights on a need basis to maintain
serviceability and standard. The difference in the planned road lighting points to be
installed in 2016 as compared with the actual lighting points installed in 2015 is
mainly due to the decrease in the planned quantities of aged road lights to be replaced
in 2016 as compared with those in 2015 based on site inspection results.
(b) There were 17, 12 and 29 complaints on excessive lighting level received by the HyD
in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. About 90% of these complaints are related to
lights shining onto individual residential premises. Depending on the individual
situations, different improvement measures have been carried out, namely, installation
of lanterns of reduced lighting level, installation of light shields to avoid diffusion of
light, and relocation of the lights concerned. The geographical distribution of the
complaints received and the follow-up actions taken in the past three years are as
follows –
District Number of
Complaints
Received
Follow-up Actions
Reduction of
Lighting
Level
Installation
of Light
Shields
Relocation of
Lights
Number of Cases in 2013 / 2014 / 2015
Central and Western 1/1/3 -/1/2 1/-/1 -/-/-
Wan Chai 1/-/2 -/-/- 1/-/2 -/-/-
Eastern 4/1/3 1/1/2 3/-/1 -/-/-
Southern -/1/1 -/1/1 -/-/- -/-/-
Kowloon City -/-/- -/-/- -/-/- -/-/-
Wong Tai Sin 1/-/- -/-/- 1/-/- -/-/-
Kwun Tong 1/-/- -/-/- -/-/- 1/-/-
Yau Tsim Mong -/-/2 -/-/1 -/-/- -/-/1
Sham Shui Po 1/-/- 1/-/- -/-/- -/-/-
Tsuen Wan 1/1/4 1/1/4 -/-/- -/-/-
Kwai Tsing -/-/- -/-/- -/-/- -/-/-
Sai Kung -/1/1 -/1/1 -/-/- -/-/-
Sha Tin 2/1/- 2/1/- -/-/- -/-/-
Tai Po 1/-/2 1/-/- -/-/- -/-/2
North -/-/2 -/-/1 -/-/1 -/-/-
Tuen Mun -/-/1 -/-/1 -/-/- -/-/-
Yuen Long 3/5/4 3/5/1 -/-/2 -/-/1
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4
District Number of
Complaints
Received
Follow-up Actions
Reduction of
Lighting
Level
Installation
of Light
Shields
Relocation of
Lights
Islands 1/1/4 1/1/2 -/-/1 -/-/1
Total 17/12/29 10/12/16 6/-/8 1/-/5
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)032
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0097)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding point 7 under Programme (1), the Highways Department (HyD) will seek
funding approval in 2016-17 for three hillside escalator links and elevator systems (HELs)
at Tsing Yi, Kwai Chung and Kowloon City with a view to commencing construction
progressively in the fourth quarter of 2016.
(a) What are the details of the three projects mentioned above? What is the estimated
number of residents to be benefitted therefrom?
(b) Is there a need to apply funding for the three projects from the Finance Committee of
the Legislative Council (LegCo)? If so, how will the HyD respond in case funding
cannot be granted as scheduled?
Asked by: Hon IP Kwok-him (Member Question No. 49)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the details of the three
HELs are provided below:
(a) Lift and Pedestrian Walkway System at Cheung Hang Estate, Tsing Yi
The project will involve construction of a lift tower at Tsing Yu Street, construction
of a covered elevated walkway connecting the above lift tower to the footpath along
the southbound carriageway of Tsing Yi Road West, construction of a lift tower at
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6
the eastern side of the existing footbridge across Tsing Yi Road West, and widening
of a section of footpath along the southbound carriageway of Tsing Yi Road West
between the proposed elevated walkway and the existing footbridge across Tsing Yi
Road West. The project will form a lift and pedestrian walkway system for the
existing footbridge across Tsing Yi Road West, the proposed lift tower at Tsing Yu
Street and the elevated walkway. This system will connect the Cheung Hang Estate
area and Tsing Yu Street and directly connect to Tsing Yi Hui / Tsing Yu New
Village. At the same time, barrier-free access facilities for the existing footbridge
and for the entire pedestrian walkway system will be provided. The estimated cost
of the project is $222.7 million. The area currently accommodates about 44 200
residents (including about 7 400 elderly).
(b) Lift and Pedestrian Walkway System between Kwai Shing Circuit and Hing Shing
Road, Kwai Chung
The project will involve construction of a lift tower adjacent to Hing Shing Road,
construction of a covered elevated walkway to connect the above lift tower,
widening of the southern footpath along Kwai Shing Circuit between Shing Fuk
Street and Hing Shing Road, and widening of the western footpath along Ko Fong
Street. The project will provide a convenient, direct and comfortable access
connecting Kwai Shing Circuit and Hing Shing Road. The estimated cost of the
project is $239.4 million. The area currently accommodates about 23 800 residents
(including about 4 100 elderly).
(c) Lift and Pedestrian Walkway System at Waterloo Hill
The project will involve construction of a lift tower at Waterloo Road and
construction of an elevated walkway connecting the above lift tower to Man Fuk
Road Garden. The project will provide a convenient and barrier-free access for
commuting between Waterloo Road and Man Fuk Road. The estimated cost of the
project is $116.7 million. The area currently accommodates about 19 300 residents
(including about 3 700 elderly).
We will seek funding approval from the LegCo within this legislative session to implement
the three projects. If the funding approval cannot be obtained within this legislative
session, the commencement of the construction works will be delayed.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)033
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0099)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2016-17 under Capital Projects, it was stated that
with the implementation of the phase 4 of the Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme, 18
District Councils (DCs) would be invited to nominate not more than three walkways in each
district. Please advise this Committee on –
(a) whether there is a cap on the total expenditure of the items in each district? If yes,
what is the cap?
(b) whether there is a cap on the cost of each item? If yes, what is the cap?
(c) whether the Highways Department plans to seek funding approval from the Finance
Committee (FC) of the Legislative Council for all the items of phase 4 of the UA
Programme in one-go or for each DC separately?
Asked by: Hon IP Kwok-him (Member Question No. 50)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The Government is progressively enhancing barrier-free access facilities at public walkways
under the UA Programme. Having completed more than 20 projects, the Government will
press ahead with the remainder of about 180 projects in all 18 districts, including the three
priority projects identified by each DC. It is expected that about 80% of the projects will
be completed in phases within three years. From the fourth quarter of this year, the
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8
Government will again invite the DCs to further nominate not more than three existing
walkways in each district for the next phase of the UA Programme.
In January 2013, the FC approved the creation of a new block allocation Subhead 6101TX –
UA Programme under the Capital Works Reserve Fund Head 706 – Highways to fund the
implementation of the UA Programme. Under this Subhead 6101TX, each item is subject
to a financial ceiling of $75 million.
The Government will follow the established practice of respective block allocation and
apply to the FC every year a block allocation on a lump-sum basis according to the forecast
on the nature, scale and number of the retrofitting works for the coming year.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)034
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0101)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: Regarding “studies and other tasks carried out by consultants” in the Railway Development
Programme, it is estimated that two projects are to be conducted in 2016 with an
expenditure of $390 million, i.e. nearly $200 million for each study on average. (a) What are the details of the two studies? Please provide a detailed breakdown of the
expenditures for each study; and
(b) What are the timetables for the two studies? Asked by: Hon IP Kwok-him (Member Question No. 52) Reply: The titles, anticipated total expenditure and anticipated dates of completion of the
consultancy studies under the Programme are shown in the table below –
Title of Study Anticipated
Total Expenditure
($ million)
Anticipated
Completion
Date
Shatin to Central Link – Monitoring and verification
for construction, testing and commissioning phase
(M&V consultancy)
190.9 2021
Hong Kong section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong
Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) – M&V consultancy
199.2
2019*
* The main task for the M&V consultant after commissioning of the XRL is to review the
submissions and claims assessment reports made by the MTR Corporation Limited’s
internal Project Control Group (which focuses on cost controls, consultancies and other
contract procurements, reviews of proposals, strategic issues and project risks) in relation
to preparing the final account.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)035
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0274)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(a) Please provide details about the staff establishment of the Highways Department
(HyD) dedicated for monitoring the progress and expenditure of projects, including the
rank, number and salary point.
(b) Please provide details about methods the HyD employs to monitor the projects and the
procedures concerned. How many project items is each staff member responsible
for? What professional qualifications and knowledge must a staff member possess
for performing the task? What statutory power does the Government have in
handling cases of projects being delayed or with a possible cost overrun? In the past,
what means were employed to deal with project delay or cost overrun?
(c) Regarding the number and the cost of capital projects at the design and construction
stages, those that involve in-house staff are apparently different from those involving
consultants. Please provide details about the establishment of the HyD’s in-house
staff tasked with the duties of design and construction. On what grounds does the
Government decide whether to outsource?
Asked by: Hon Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung (Member Question No. 21)
Reply:
(a) Project teams in the HyD who are involved in administering projects normally
comprise professional, technical and general grades officers, as well as other
supporting staff. The pay points for professional staff range from Point D2 on the
Directorate Pay Scale for a Government Engineer to Point 19 on the Master Pay Scale
for an Assistant Engineer, while officers in other grades follow respectively the Master
Pay Scale or the Model Scale 1 Pay Scale. There are currently about 600 staff in the
HyD responsible for administration of capital projects.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1
(b) There are established mechanisms, comprehensive guidelines and stringent
requirements put in place for administering the procurement, delivery and quality
control of works projects; as well as for monitoring and auditing project costs, with a
view to achieving satisfactory completion of projects in a timely manner. A project
team comprising various levels of in-house staff would be set up to take forward the
corresponding project and to administer the relevant contracts. Depending on the
scale and complexity of the project, consultants may be commissioned to take part in
the administration of the projects. Professional and technical grade officers deployed
to administer a contract must possess the relevant academic and professional
qualifications. The HyD currently manages about 200 projects at different stages of
implementation.
In general, the progress and expenditure of contracts are closely monitored under the
provisions of the contract through regular meetings with various parties, vetting of
submissions and reporting mechanisms. In case of delay identified, the HyD would
liaise with all relevant parties to work out measures to mitigate delay and to catch up
with the programme in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. The
performance of the relevant contractors would be reflected in their regular
performance appraisal reports.
(c) The capital projects at the design and construction stages involve either solely in-house
staff or outsourcing to consultants. For the former, there are about 300 staff in the
HyD responsible for the design and construction of in-house capital projects.
Outsourcing to consultants would be considered when there is shortage of manpower
resources or necessary in-house expertise, such that the HyD may respond rapidly to
changing demands.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)036
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0049)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the investigation study and preliminary design for the proposed pedestrian
footbridge system in Mong Kok, what are the expenditure and the staff establishment
involved? What is the expected date of completion for the study? Is there any need to
raise the estimated budget?
Asked by: Dr Hon LAU Wong-fat (Member Question No. 1)
Reply:
The Highways Department (HyD) commissioned a consultant in October 2013 to conduct
further investigation studies to assess the anticipated usage of the proposed footbridge
system, as well as the impact on traffic, environment and underground utilities during its
construction and operation stages, etc. The studies are anticipated to be completed in
mid-2016. The estimated expenditure for the studies and site investigation is about
$5.5 million and there is no need to increase the budget. The HyD deploys existing staff
resources to oversee the studies and site investigation of the project.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)037
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0146)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Technical Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: Regarding road lighting, is the Highways Department (HyD) currently exploring the
utilisation of light emitting diode (LED) road lights to replace the original lighting system
so as to reduce electricity expenditure and carbon emission? If yes, what are the staff
establishment for the study and the annual expenses? Asked by: Dr Hon LAU Wong-fat (Member Question No. 8) Reply: It was noted that LED road lights should have better colour rendering and higher reliability
than high pressure sodium lamps (which are now widely adopted in Hong Kong), but their
cost-effectiveness was low as the prices of LED road lights meeting the necessary
certification (such as lighting test, safety and protection certification) were very high.
Nonetheless, the HyD commenced a trial scheme in 2009 and has been closely monitoring
the performance of a total of 171 LED road lights installed under the trial scheme in seven
districts (i.e. the Eastern, Wan Chai, Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, North, Sai Kung and Sha
Tin Districts). The findings of the trial so far have confirmed the same. Under the latest market situation, the prices of low- and medium-wattage LED lights have
dropped significantly, but are still higher than those of low- and medium-wattage high
pressure sodium lamps. Despite the merits of energy saving due to better colour rendering,
the cost-effectiveness of low- and medium-wattage LED lights is not significant enough to
justify utilisation on a large scale at the moment. On the other hand, only a few models of high-wattage LED lights are available in the
market, and they are far more expensive than high-wattage high pressure sodium lamps.
Utilisation of high-wattage LED lights is therefore not considered justifiable at the moment. The HyD will continue to replace the aged lighting by installing more low- and
medium-wattage LED lights as appropriate under the trial scheme with a view to further
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4
assessing the performance and cost-effectiveness of LED lights.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)038
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0150)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Highways Department stated that in the coming year, co-ordinated actions with bodies
and departments concerned would be undertaken to speed up land resumption to facilitate
implementation of the railway projects. What are the estimated size and location of the
land to be resumed? What are the costs involved?
Asked by: Dr Hon LAU Wong-fat (Member Question No. 9)
Reply:
In 2016-17, it is estimated that about 0.59 hectares of underground strata will need to be
resumed for the implementation of the Shatin to Central Link project. The land concerned
is located at Wan Chai, Admiralty and Mid-Levels.
Any expenditure on the compensation to the affected land owners will be subject to
assessment of claims, if any, submitted by the relevant land owners in accordance with the
Railways Ordinance.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)039
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2898)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Highways Department (HyD) stated that it will continue to take forward the Central
Kowloon Route (CKR) for its early implementation. In this regard, please advise -
(a) what is the latest estimate for this project and when will the works commence? What
are the details concerning its progress?
(b) is the latest estimate a large multiple of the 2002 estimate of $10 billion? If yes, what
are the reasons?
(c) will district consultation exercise be conducted in the future? What are the relevant
estimated expenses and plans?
(d) will the underground strata of the buildings alongside the alignment be resumed?
What are the details? Please provide in a list the names and addresses of the
buildings affected, and the related impact; and
(e) what is the estimated utilisation rate after the commissioning of the project and when
was this projection made?
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 34)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
(a) The CKR will link Yau Ma Tei Interchange in West Kowloon with the Kowloon Bay
and Kai Tak Development in East Kowloon. It is anticipated that the commissioning
of the CKR will reduce the traffic volumes along the major east-west corridors in
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 7
Kowloon, thus relieving the existing traffic congestion problem and coping with future
traffic needs. We are actively planning the implementation of the CKR project for its
early implementation. The construction of the CKR project takes approximately over
seven years; and upon its commissioning, the journey time between West Kowloon
and Kowloon Bay via the CKR would take around five minutes in busy hours,
resulting in a saving of about 25 minutes when compared to the journey time without
the CKR now.
(b) The Panel on Transport of the Legislative Council (LegCo) was informed in June 2002
that a rough estimate of the project was about $10 billion (in December 2000 prices)
based on a conceptual scheme. In the course of further investigations and detailed
design process, the HyD has further enhanced the design and incorporated additional
requirements to meet the latest fire safety, environmental protection, building safety
and technical requirements. Further strengthening of heritage and landscaping works
have also been incorporated to address the concerns of the public. These factors,
together with price adjustments and change in market conditions, will all affect the
project cost. The rough order of cost of the CKR project in the Budget this year is
only a preliminary estimate. After finalising the estimate of the project cost, the
Transport and Housing Bureau and the HyD will consult the LegCo on the funding
application, and seek approval from the Finance Committee when appropriate.
(c) The HyD conducted Phase One and Phase Two public engagement exercises in 2007 to
2009 and December 2012 to March 2013 respectively to collect public views. A
Community Liaison Centre in Yau Ma Tei started operation in April 2013 to enhance
communication with the public on the project. These views, together with those
received during the gazettal period of the project, have been taken into account where
appropriate in the design development. The Chief Executive-in-Council authorised
the works of the CKR on 5 January 2016, and the authorisation notice was gazetted on
15 January 2016. The HyD will continue to liaise with the relevant District Councils
and the stakeholders as and when appropriate.
(d) Since the CKR tunnel would mainly be constructed deep underground in the rock
stratum, its construction would not affect the structural integrity, use of the private
buildings concerned and the future re-development potential of the lots concerned
under the existing laws, land leases and the Outline Zoning Plan. To allow for the
construction, operation and maintenance, and usage of the CKR, the project will require
the creation of easements and other permanent rights underneath about 81 private lots
in accordance with the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance (Cap 370).
The relevant statutory procedures will be carried out before commencement of the
works concerned. Nevertheless, no land resumption will be required.
(e) According to the projection conducted by the consultants of the HyD in 2012, the CKR
is expected to be well used after commissioning, with a predicted average daily traffic
flow of about 110 000 vehicles in 2026.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)040
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1785)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Highways Department (HyD) will co-ordinate with the Mainland authorities
on cross-boundary infrastructure developments; and continue to undertake route protection
of the recommended railway projects and other longer term proposals. In this connection,
will the Government provide information on the projects already implemented and those
under planning, as well as a breakdown of the expenditures involved?
Asked by: Hon James TIEN Pei-chun (Member Question No. 5)
Reply:
Regarding the co-ordination with the Mainland authorities on the development of
cross-boundary facilities, the project in question is the implementation of the
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link project. Various liaison groups have
been established with the relevant Mainland authorities to co-ordinate the implementation of
the project.
As regards the route protection of the recommended railway projects and other longer term
proposals, the projects and proposals in question refer to those recommended for
implementation in the Railway Development Strategy 2014.
The HyD deploys in-house resources to carry out the above tasks.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)041
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2451)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Highways Department plans to seek funding approval for an elevated walkway and a
footbridge at Tseung Kwan O and Tsuen Wan respectively, with a view to commencing
construction progressively in the fourth quarter of 2016. Will the Government provide
details of the proposed project in Tseung Kwan O (including the location and date of
completion) and the estimated allocation?
Asked by: Hon James TIEN Pei-chun (Member Question No. 3)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The proposed project at Tseung Kwan O involves the construction of an elevated walkway
of approximate 180 metres in length and approximate five metres in clear width, with a lift
at Tong Tak Street, to connect the existing footbridge across Tong Ming Street, forming an
uninterrupted elevated walkway between Sheung Tak Estate and the Tseung Kwan O MTR
Station and the public transport interchange. Subject to funding approval by the Finance
Committee within the 2015-16 legislative session, construction will commence in the fourth
quarter of 2016 for completion in mid-2019. The estimated cost of the project is about
$221.6 million (in money-of-the-day prices).
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)042
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2452)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Highways Department (HyD) provide the latest progress, including the schedule of
works and estimated expenses, of the following highway projects:
(a) dualling of Hiram’s Highway between Clear Water Bay Road and Marina Cove; and
(b) improvement to local access to Ho Chung.
Asked by: Hon James TIEN Pei-chun (Member Question No. 4)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The HyD plans to commence construction works of the “Dualling of Hiram’s Highway
between Clear Water Bay Road and Marina Cove and improvement to local access to Ho
Chung” project at the end of March 2016 for completion by the end of 2020. The
estimated cost of the project is $1,774.4 million in money-of-the-day prices.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)043
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2453)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What are the progress, date of commissioning and estimated expenses for the widening of
Tolo Highway/Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling - Stage 2?
Asked by: Hon James TIEN Pei-chun (Member Question No. 68)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The “Widening of Tolo Highway/Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and
Fanling - Stage 2” project commenced in July 2013. The Approved Project Estimate of the
project is $4,320 million (in money-of-the-day prices). The works are in progress and are
anticipated to be completed in 2019.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)044
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2393)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Highways Department will continue to take forward the construction of the
Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL). What is the estimated expenditure involved?
What is the schedule for progress?
Asked by: Hon Michael TIEN Puk-sun (Member Question No. 45)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The estimated expenditure for the TM-CLKL project in 2016-17 is about $7,173.4 million.
The TM-CLKL involves the Southern Connection and the Northern Connection. The
completion date of the Southern Connection will tie in with that of the Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Main Bridge whilst the Northern Connection is targeted for
completion in 2018.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)045
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0318)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the implementation of the Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme, please
provide the following information:
(a) the construction costs, staff establishment, construction time and maintenance
expenses after commissioning for respective works items taken forward under the UA
Programme in each year over the past three years; and
(b) the progress and anticipated time of implementation for each of the outstanding works
item under the Original and Expanded Programmes.
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 29)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The Government has been installing barrier-free access (BFA) facilities at public walkways
(i.e. public footbridges, elevated walkways and subways maintained by the Highways
Department (HyD)) for a number of years (the Original Programme) on the
recommendation of the Equal Opportunities Commission. The implementation of 150
items under the Original Programme continues in the past three years, with most of the
items anticipated for progressive completion by 2018 as scheduled. As at 29 February
2016, 29 items (one item in 2013, nine items in 2014, 15 items in 2015 and four items in
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4
early 2016) have been completed, 91 items (21 items commenced construction in 2013, 34
items in 2014 and 36 items in 2015) are under construction, and 13 items are anticipated to
commence in 2016-17. The construction works for the remaining 17 items will commence
as soon as possible upon completion of detailed design and obtaining of support from the
relevant District Councils (DCs).
In August 2012, the Government launched the new UA Programme to further enhance the
BFA facilities for existing public walkways maintained by the HyD. Installation of lifts at
about 250 public walkways was proposed by the public. In the first half of 2013, we
invited all the 18 DCs to prioritise the new items in their districts proposed by the public.
Each DC selected three public walkways for priority implementation (the Expanded
Programme). The implementation of these priority items under the Expanded Programme
is well underway. Most of the retrofitting works items are anticipated for completion from
2017 to 2018 in phases. As at 29 February 2016, 49 priority items (one item commenced
in 2014 and 48 items in 2015) are under construction, seven priority items are anticipated to
commence construction in 2016-17 and one priority item will commence construction as
soon as possible upon completion of the investigation and design works, and obtaining of
support from the DC concerned.
The expenditure on the UA Programme in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 was
$232.2 million, $554.3 million and $720.9 million (estimated) respectively, covering the
costs for conducting technical feasibility studies / investigation works, design, construction
works and supervision of construction. The annual maintenance cost for each lift is around
$300,000.
Overall, the UA Programme is being implemented as scheduled. The Government has
been deploying existing staff resources to oversee the implementation of the UA
Programme.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)046
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2908)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide information according to (i) the project name, (ii) the total costs for works
contracts, (iii) the costs of works contracts awarded, (iv) the completion rate of works for
2015-16, and (v) the completion rate of works for 2016-17 for the following projects:
(a) road improvement works for West Kowloon Reclamation Development - Phase 1;
(b) widening of Tolo Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling;
(c) widening of Fanling Highway - Stage 2;
(d) Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link;
(e) improvement to Pok Oi Interchange;
(f) Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link; and
(g) provision of barrier-free access facilities at public footbridges, elevated walkways and
subways - phases 1 to 3 under the Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 51)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 6
Project Title
(i)
Estimated
Total
Project Cost
($ million)
(ii)
Total
Estimated
Cost of
Awarded
Contracts
($ million)
(iii)
For all contracts
Estimated
% of
completion
(up to
2015-16)
(iv) Note 1
Estimated
% of
completion
(up to
2016-17)
(v) Note 2
(a) Road improvement
works for West Kowloon
Reclamation
Development (Phase 1)
845.8 647.5 14% 40%
(b) Widening of Tolo
Highway between Island
House Interchange and
Tai Hang
4,486.9 4,170.0 93% 100%
(c) Widening of Tolo
Highway/Fanling
Highway between Island
House Interchange and
Fanling - Stage 2
4,320.0 3,390.0 29% 44%
(d) Central-Wan Chai
Bypass and Island
Eastern Corridor Link
36,038.9 26,000.0 71% 82%
(e) Improvement to Pok Oi
Interchange 264.8 229.0 88% 100%
(f) Tuen Mun-Chek Lap
Kok Link 46,708.0 31,079.7 30% 48%
(g) Provision of barrier-free
access facilities at public
footbridges, elevated
walkways and subways -
phases 1 to 3 under the
UA Programme
4,128.2 2,780.0 47% 63%
Note 1: Estimated expenditures of all contracts up to March 2016 / total estimated cost of
all contracts
Note 2: Estimated expenditures of all contracts up to March 2017 / total estimated cost of
all contracts
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)047
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2909)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In relation to monitoring the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong
Express Rail Link (XRL) project by the Highways Department (HyD), please inform this
Committee of the following:
(a) In response to the recommendations by the Government’s Independent Expert Panel
(IEP), are there any measures to prevent supervision problems arising from the XRL
project, including the inability to detect the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL)’s
concealment of crucial information concerning the progress of the project, the lack of
indicators to scrutinise the delay recovery measures put forward by the MTRCL and
the intervention mechanism against the poor performance of MTRCL as the project
manager; and
(b) Whether consideration will be given to relinquish the approach adopted in the XRL
project in relation to monitoring new railway projects in the future?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 52)
Reply:
(a) In the light of the delay of the construction of the XRL, the Chief Executive appointed
in May 2014 an IEP chaired by Mr Justice Hartmann to review the implementation of
the XRL project. The report of the IEP, which was released on 30 January 2015, put
forward recommendations to improve the monitoring work by the HyD on the XRL
project. Under the framework of the three-tiered monitoring mechanism (i.e. the
Project Supervision Committee (PSC) chaired by the Director of Highways, the
Project Co-ordination Meetings held by an officer at Assistant Director level of the
HyD with the MTRCL’s General Managers and Project Managers, and the Contract
Review Meetings held by an officer at Chief Engineer level of the HyD with site
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 8
supervision staff of the MTRCL) and risk-based approach, the dedicated division of
the Railway Development Office (RDO) of the HyD has implemented the following
measures to enhance the monitoring of the progress and financial status of the XRL
project since mid-2014 –
(i) an increase in the number of staff in the dedicated division for the XRL project
under the RDO of the HyD from 13 to 18 at present;
(ii) submission of monthly progress reports to the Transport and Housing Bureau
(THB) for the XRL project with the adoption of “traffic light” system to
facilitate THB’s understanding of current project status;
(iii) requesting the MTRCL to submit detailed reports on critical construction
activities including the production rates of critical contracts;
(iv) monitoring of the achievement of milestones established by the MTRCL’s
Independent Board Committee through the monthly progress reports and the
PSC meetings chaired by the Director of Highways;
(v) liaising more closely with the MTRCL’s project team and requesting the
MTRCL to provide more detailed information;
(vi) arranging the Monitoring and Verification (M&V) Consultant to attend the
PSC meetings;
(vii) establishment of a working group amongst the HyD, the M&V Consultant and
the MTRCL with members from the respective specialised teams to review the
programme and progress of the XRL project in detail on a regular basis with
all aspects and levels of works covered; and
(viii) arranging the M&V Consultant to conduct more frequent and focused audits
on critical contracts.
(b) In response to the observations and recommendations of the IEP Report, the
Government will review the appropriateness of adopting the concession approach for
implementing new railway projects in future taking into account the experience of the
implementation of the XRL project.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)048
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0747)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Infrastructure
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the enhancement of port facilities, please provide the following:
(a) the information on the projects on the port and its associated facilities under planning,
the capital involved for each project and the progress; and
(b) a brief account on how the facilities can increase the container throughput in the
future.
Asked by: Hon CHAN Kam-lam (Member Question No.41)
Reply:
(a) The Government is implementing a dredging project to deepen the Kwai Tsing
Container Basin and its approach channel from 15 metres to 17.5 metres. The
estimated capital cost of the project was $488.2 million. The project commenced in
August 2013 and will be substantially completed in April 2016.
(b) Upon completion of the project, ultra-large containerships (ULCSs) with a draft
exceeding 15 metres can access the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals at all tides. The
timely dredging works allow ULCSs, which are increasingly common in the liner
shipping trade, to use the Hong Kong Port, thus maintaining its competitiveness as a
hub port in the region.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 9 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)049
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1672)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Local Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In the “Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2016-17” under this programme, it is
mentioned that the Marine Department (MD) will “consult the trade on the outcome of the
review on Public Cargo Working Areas (PCWAs) with a view to establishing the way
forward for reallocation of PCWA berths when the current Berth License Agreements
expire in July 2016”. In this connection, will the Government inform this Committee:
(a) the details of such work and whether the related trade unions will be consulted; and
(b) whether the above work will involve additional manpower and expenditure.
Asked by: Hon CHAN Yuen-han (Member Question No. 20)
Reply:
(a) The Review on PCWAs (the Review) focuses on the future land use and
management of PCWAs, which should not involve labour concerns. The MD is
consulting the trade (including PCWA operators and relevant cargo operation
organisations) and relevant bodies (including the Hong Kong Port Development
Council, the Harbourfront Commission, the Port Operations Committee, relevant
District Councils and the Panel on Economic Development of the Legislative
Council).
(b) The work related to the Review does not involve additional manpower and
expenditure.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 9 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)050
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1158)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Local Services , (5) Government Fleet
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(a) Please provide information on the respective annual service and idling
(non-maintenance) time of the “43 government vessels operated by the Marine
Department”. Regarding the three vessels with the lowest annual utilisation rate
(utilisation rate / idling time), please account for the reasons.
(b) Please advise on the progress of work of the Marine Department (MD) regarding
“private mooring owners who have not renewed the licences of their designated
vessels” subsequent to the issue of the Director of Audit’s Report No. 59 in 2012, and
the irregularities identified by year.
Asked by: Hon Albert HO Chun-yan (Member Question No. 67)
Reply:
(a) The utilisation of the 43 government vessels operated by the MD is set out at Annex.
The three vessels with the lowest annual utilisation in 2015-16 were “Tin Hau”,
“Seaway” and “Port Health”.
Tin Hau is a government VIP launch for receiving government guests and VIPs. Its
utilisation is dependent on booking requests by government bureaux / departments.
Seaway is used by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) for conveying
prisoners to and from the outlying islands. It has served as a standby vessel since
February 2015 pending the result of the CSD’s trial on the use of land transport for the
conveyance of prisoners.
Port Health is used by the Department of Health for carrying out health inspections on
board during weekdays (Mondays to Fridays) and emergency port health duties for
ships entering Hong Kong during other times (Saturdays, Sundays and public
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 9 2
holidays). Out of the 120 days of idling time, about 80% were weekends and public
holidays, during which the vessel was on standby for emergency port health duties,
such as assessment of severe infectious disease cases and management of disease
outbreaks. The utilisation of the vessel during those days varies according to the
occurrence of such emergency.
(b) Following the Director of Audit’s recommendation, the MD has stepped up patrol at
designated mooring areas and strengthened enforcement action against vessels with
expired licences using the private moorings. To enhance the effectiveness of the
above measures, the MD has upgraded the computer system to facilitate patrol officers
in identifying vessels with expired licences. A total of 14, 16 and 19 cases were
prosecuted in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. The MD will continue to conduct
on-site inspection and take enforcement action against any irregularities identified.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 9 3
Annex
Utilisation of 43 Government vessels manned by Marine Department (April 2015 - February 2016)
No. of
Vessel
Name User Scheduled Working
hours
Idling time (days) excluding
maintenance & scheduled
non-working days (up to 29.2.2016)
1 Dr Catherine Lam Environmental Protection Department Mon to Fri 0800-1700 61
2 Eversafe 1 Civil Engineering and Development
Department
Mon to Fri 0800-1700 94
3 Eversafe 2 Civil Engineering and Development
Department
Mon to Fri 0800-1700 76
4 Fisheries 1 Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Department
5 days/week 0800-1700
and 1200-2100 in
alternate week
11
5 Fisheries 2 Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
targeting misbehaving cyclists and organising safe cycling training programmes, etc. The
TD also maintains a one-stop information website (i.e. the “Cycling Information Centre”),
through which the public can easily access cycling-related information, such as safety tips,
traffic rules and regulations, etc.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 9 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)125
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1889)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Director of Bureau’s Office
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What is the respective estimated expenditure on annual emoluments for the Secretary for
Transport and Housing (STH), the Under Secretary for Transport and Housing (USTH) and
the Political Assistant (PA) to STH in 2016-17?
Asked by: Hon WONG Yuk-man (Member Question No. 14)
Reply:
For budgetary purpose, the salary provisions in respect of the positions of the STH, the
USTH and the PA to STH in the 2016-17 Estimates are $3.58 million, $2.50 million and
$1.25 million respectively.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 9 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)126
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2637)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the regulatory regime for cross-boundary vehicles, please advise this Committee
on the following:
(a) the respective figures on applications received and approved for self-driving to
Guangdong Province under the Ad Hoc Quota Trial Scheme for Cross-boundary
Private Cars (the Scheme) in 2014-15 and 2015-16;
(b) given that when the Scheme was introduced, the Government said its ultimate goal was
to allow Mainland vehicles to apply for self-driving to Hong Kong, whether there is
any timetable for implementation of related work; if yes, the details.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 49)
Reply:
(a) The first phase of the Scheme was rolled out on 30 March 2012. The numbers of
applications received and approved by the Transport Department in 2014, 2015 and
2016 are as follows:
Year Number of
applications received
Number of
applications approved
2014 1 953 1 836
2015 2 293 2 151
2016
(from 1 January to 29 February) 656 629
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 9 7
(b) We have been closely monitoring the implementation of the first phase of the Scheme
and are in close liaison with the relevant Guangdong authorities and their designated
agencies in Hong Kong to improve and fine-tune the workflow and information
system, with a view to enhancing work efficiency and service quality. In respect of
the second phase of the Scheme (i.e. Guangdong private cars coming to Hong Kong),
the Government of the HKSAR and the Guangdong Provincial Government have
already indicated that there is no concrete implementation timetable. The position
remains the same.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 9 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)127
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2638)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the operation of franchised bus service under this Programme, please advise this
Committee on the following:
(a) given that the Transport Department (TD) and bus companies implemented several
area-based bus route rationalisation proposals over the past few years, whether similar
proposals will be introduced in 2016-17; if yes, the areas involved and details;
(b) since the traffic speed along the busy corridors in urban areas will affect the quality of
bus service, whether the Transport and Housing Bureau has any work plans to address
the problem in 2016-17; and
(c) whether the issue of providing additional bus-only lanes in more road sections in urban
areas was studied in the past three years; if yes, the details.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 50)
Reply:
(a) Bus route rationalisation is an ongoing task of the TD. Since the Policy
Address announcement in 2013, the TD and the franchised bus companies have
been pursuing bus route rationalisation with greater vigour through the annual
route planning programmes (RPP) and an “Area Approach”. Area Approach
rationalisation has been implemented in the North District, Tuen Mun, Yuen
Long, Sha Tin, Tsing Yi, Tai Po and Kowloon in the past few years. In 2015,
various bus routes serving the western and southern districts of Hong Kong
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 2 9 9
Island have also been re-organised to tie in with the opening of the West Island
Line.
In 2016-17, the focus would be on the public transport re-organisation plans for
Kwun Tong Line Extension (KTE) and South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)).
Upon the opening of the KTE and the SIL(E), it is expected that the travelling
pattern of passengers and thus the utilisation of different road-based public
transport services will change. The TD will implement public transport
re-organisation plans to better suit the passengers’ needs and improve the
operational efficiency of the public transport network for the relevant districts
upon commissioning of the respective new railway lines. Consultation with
the District Council (DCs) with respect to the KTE is underway whereas that
for the SIL(E) will commence in mid-2016. Meanwhile, the TD and
franchised bus companies will continue to introduce new routes and rationalise
and adjust existing services under the annual RPP. Consultation with the DCs
concerned on the RPP proposals are underway.
(b) and (c) The Government has been adopting a three-pronged approach in tackling road
traffic congestion, i.e. by improving transport infrastructure, expanding and
improving the public transport system, and managing road use. In 2016-17,
the Government will continue to implement appropriate measures to manage
road traffic situation following the three-pronged approach. In particular, the
Government will continue to take forward in phases the host of short, medium
to long-term measures recommended by the Transport Advisory Committee to
alleviate road traffic congestion having regard to stakeholders’ views, feasibility
of available options and overseas experience, etc.
The priority use of roads by franchised buses is one of the issues covered under
the Topical Study on Franchised Bus Service under the Public Transport
Strategy Study (PTSS). We reported the outcome of the study to the
Legislative Council Panel on Transport in March 2015. According priority use
of the roads to public transport services is an established policy. Yet, the
implementation of such measures would have to have due regard to the actual
road and traffic situation. It is worth noting that the implementation of bus
priority measures would reduce the number of lanes for use by other vehicles on
the same road section. The travelling speed of other vehicles may reduce as a
result. When planning for bus priority measures, the TD will carefully assess
the feasibility and desirability of implementing such measures on the individual
road sections concerned to achieve the best balanced outcome.
At present, there are a total of 23 kilometres of bus-only lanes in Hong Kong
(listed at Annex). Franchised bus operators would submit location-specific
proposals for additional lanes from time to time for the TD’s consideration.
During the past three years, the TD extended the operating hours of three
bus-only lanes. The TD also plans to extend the operating hours of another
three bus-only lanes in Q2 of 2016. Details are as follows –
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 0
Existing bus-only
lanes Operating hours Progress
To Kwa Wan Road
southbound (between
San Ma Tau Street and
Chi Kiang Street)
To extend the effective time on
weekdays from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
to 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Implemented on
18.12.2015
To Kwa Wan Road
northbound (between
Chi Kiang Street and
Sheung Heung Road)
To extend the effective time on
weekdays from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
to 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Implemented on
18.12.2015
Wong Chuk Hang
Road westbound
(between Aberdeen
Tunnel Toll Plaza and
Wong Chuk Hang
Road near Gramtham
Hospital)
To extend the effective time on
weekdays from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
to 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Implemented on
22.1.2016
Nathan Road
southbound
(between Mong Kok
Road and Dundas
Street)
To extend the effective time daily
from 7:00 am –7:00 pm
to 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Target
implementation
date: 2016 Q2
Nathan Road
northbound (between
Dundas Street and
Nelson Street)
To extend the effective time daily
from 7:00 am –7:00 pm
to 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Target
implementation
date: 2016 Q2
The slip road leading
from Hong Chong
Road southbound to
Cross Harbour Tunnel
To extend the effective time daily
from 7:00 am –10:00 am to 7:00 am -
10:00 am and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Target
implementation
date: 2016 Q2
Under the Role and Positioning Review of the PTSS, we will explore how to
further promote the priority use of roads by public transport services in the
context of the implementation of measures to alleviate traffic congestion and in
the light of actual road situations. The whole PTSS is expected to be
completed by mid-2017.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 1
Annex
Bus-only lanes and designated bus entrance
(As at March 2016)
Location Operation hours Approximate
Length
(km)
Hong Kong Island
Connaught Road West westbound
(between Tung Loi Lane and Macau Ferry
Bus Terminus)
Daily
24 hours
0.1
Des Voeux Road Central (between Man
Wa Lane and Hillier Street)
Daily
24 hours
0.1
Man Yiu Street (between Man Kwong
Street roundabout and Central Pier Bus
Terminus)
Daily
24 hours
0.1
Pok Fu Lam Road westbound
(between Mount Davis Road and Pok Fu
Lam Road Playground)
Daily
07:00 - 21:00
Except Public Holidays
0.1
Queensway westbound
(between Murray Road and Jackson Road)
Daily
24 hours
0.2
Gloucester Road westbound
(between O’Brien Road and Fenwick
Street)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.2
Cross-Harbour Tunnel Egress to Central
westbound
(between Tunnel Exit and Canal Road
Flyover)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Canal Road Flyover underneath
southbound
(between Hennessy Road and Yiu Wa
Street)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.2
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 2
Location Operation hours Approximate
Length
(km)
Morrison Hill Road southbound
(between Sports Road and Queen’s Road
East)
Weekdays
16:00 – 19:00
Except Public Holidays
0.1
Hennessy Road westbound
(between Jardine Bazaar and Lee Garden
Road)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.1
Hennessy Road westbound
(between Tang Lung Street and Canal
Road East)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.1
Hennessy Road westbound
(between Tin Lok Lane and Tonnochy
Road)
Weekdays
07:00 – 09:00
Except Public Holidays
0.1
Hennessy Road westbound
(between Fleming Road and Luard Road)
Weekdays
07:00 – 09:00
Except Public Holidays
0.3
Shau Kei Wan Road westbound
(between Tai On Street and Tai Hong
Street)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Fu Yee Road southbound
(between Cheerful Garden and Siu Sai
Wan Road)
Weekdays
07:00 – 09:00
0.1
King’s Road eastbound
(between Ngan Mok Street and Fortress
Hill Road)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.8
King’s Road eastbound
(between North Point Road and Tin Chiu
Street)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.7
King’s Road eastbound
(between Man Hong Street and Java Road)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.5
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 3
Location Operation hours Approximate
Length
(km)
Nam On Street eastbound
(between Nam On Lane and Shau Kei Wan
Bus Terminus)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Siu Sai Wan Road westbound
(between The Chinese Foundation
Secondary School and Harmony Road)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Wong Chuk Hang Road westbound
(between Aberdeen Tunnel Toll Plaza and
Wong Chuk Hang Road near Gramtham
Hospital)
Weekdays
16:00 – 20:00
Except Public Holidays
0.2
Wong Chuk Hang Road eastbound
(near Gramtham Hospital and Aberdeen
Tunnel Toll Plaza)
Weekdays
07:00 – 09:00
Except Public Holidays
0.5
Wong Chuk Hang Road upramp to
Aberdeen Tunnel northbound
(between Shouson Hill Road and Aberdeen
Tunnel Toll Plaza)
Weekdays
07:00 – 09:00
Except Public Holidays
0.5
Wong Chuk Hang Road eastbound
(near Nam Long Shan Road)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Nam Long Shan Road southbound
(between Wong Chuk Hang Road and Bus
Terminus)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.3
Kowloon
Nathan Road southbound
(between Playing Field Road and Bute
Street)
Daily
07:00 – 19:00
0.3
Nathan Road southbound
(between Mong Kok Road and Dundas
Street)
Daily
07:00 – 19:00
0.4
Nathan Road northbound
(between Dundas Street and Nelson Street)
Daily
07:00 – 19:00
0.3
The slip road from Hong Chong Road
southbound to Cross-Harbour Tunnel
Daily
07:00 – 10:00
0.2
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 4
Location Operation hours Approximate
Length
(km)
To Kwa Wan Road southbound
(between San Ma Tau Street and Chi
Kiang Street)
Daily
08:00 – 10:00,
17:00 – 20:00
0.5
To Kwa Wan Road northbound
(between Shek Tong Street and Chi Kiang
Street)
Daily
08:00 – 10:00,
17:00 – 19:00
0.3
To Kwa Wan Road northbound
(between Chi Kiang Street and Sheung
Heung Road)
Daily
08:00 – 10:00,
17:00 – 20:00
0.3
New Clear Water Bay Road northbound
(outside United Christian College)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Nam Cheong Street southbound
(between Ap Liu Street and Yu Chau
Street)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Yen Chow Street northbound
(between Yee Kuk Street and Lai Chi Kok
Road)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Lei Yue Mun Road southbound
(from Block 1 to Block 8 of Sceneway
Garden)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.2
Hammer Hill Road southbound
(between Choi Hung Road Roundabout
and Prince Edward Road East)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.3
Choi Hung Road eastbound
(between Prince Edward Road East & 65
metres south of Lok Sin Road)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.1
Prince Edward Road East westbound
(near Rhythm Garden)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Lung Cheung Road eastbound
(near Wong Tai Sin MTR Station)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.3
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 5
Location Operation hours Approximate
Length
(km)
Hong Chong Road southbound
(outside Cross-Harbour Tunnel
Administrative Building)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.3
Hong Chong Road northbound
(near Cross-Harbour Tunnel Toll Plaza)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.1
Junction Road southbound
(from Carpenter Road to Prince Edward
Road West)
Weekdays
07:00 – 10:00,
16:00 – 19:00
0.1
Nam Cheong Street southbound
(from Woh Chai treet to Berwick Street)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.1
West Kowloon Corridor eastbound
(from Pei Ho Street to Tai Kok Tsui Road)
Weekdays
07:30 – 09:00
Except Sundays and
Public Holidays
0.4
Lai Chi Kok Road westbound
(between Mei Lai Road and Kwai Chung
Road)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.1
Cheung Sha Wan Road eastbound
(between Kwai Chung Road and Mei Lai
Road)
Weekdays
07:00 – 24:00
0.2
Nathan Road southbound
(from near Shantung Street to near
Hamilton Street)
Weekdays
07:00 – 19:00
0.3
Shing Tak Street
(between Ma Tau Chung Road and Fu
Ning Street)
Weekdays
24 hours
0.3
New Territories
Che Kung Miu Road westbound Weekdays
07:00 – 10:00, 16:00 –
19:00
0.3
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 6
Location Operation hours Approximate
Length
(km)
Hung Mui Kuk Road southbound Weekdays
07:00 – 10:00, 16:00 –
19:00
1
Lion Rock Tunnel Road westbound Weekdays
07:00 – 10:00, 16:00 –
19:00
0.8
Siu Lek Yuen Road southbound Weekdays
08:00 – 10:00
0.1
Tate’s Cairn Highways southbound
Weekdays
07:00 – 10:00
0.2
Tate’s Cairn Highways slip road (near Sha
Tin Wai Road) southbound
Weekdays
08:00 – 10:00
0.1
Tai Po Road - Yuen Chau Tsai eastbound Weekdays
07:00 – 10:00
0.1
On Po Road near On Tai Road 24 hours
0.2
On Chee Road near On Po Road*
(*Desginated Bus Entrance)
24 hours
0.1
Tuen Mun Road eastbound Weekdays
07:30 – 09:00
Except General
Holidays
9
Tuen Mun Road southbound near Lam Tei
24 hours 0.5
Tuen Mun Road northbound near Lam Tei
24 hours 0.2
Sam Shing Street westbound
24 hours 0.1
Kwai Chung Road southbound
(fronting Fung King House of Lai King
Estate)
24 hours 0.2
Lai King Hill Road northbound
(opposite Ching Lai Commercial Centre of
Ching Lai Court)
24 hours 0.1
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 7
Location Operation hours Approximate
Length
(km)
Fung Shue Wo Road eastbound
(entry road to Tsing Yi Pier PTI)
24 hours 0.1
Tsing Yi Heung Sze Wui Road northbound
(from Tsing Yi Bridge roundabout to
Chung Mei Road)
24 hours 0.1
Castle Peak Road westbound
(between Yuen Long Hong Lok Road and
Kik Yeung Road)
24 hours 0.1
Ma Miu Road southbound outside Yuen
Long District Office Building
24 hours 0.1
Cheung Pei Shan Road (Shatin
bound)(next to Shing Mun Tunnel
Bus-to-bus Interchange)
24 hours 0.1
Kai King Road westbound (entry road to
Po Lam PTI)
24 hours 0.1
Po Shun Road eastbound near the slip road
leading to Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Road
24 hours 0.1
San Wan Road northbound near Sheung
Shui Railway Station*
(*Designated Bus Entrance)
24 hours
0.1
Luen On Street northbound
(from Luen Wo Road to Wo Mun Street)*
(*Designated Bus Entrance)
24 hours
0.1
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)128
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1424)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Transport and Housing Bureau will continue to introduce practicable
measures to alleviate road traffic congestion, including taking forward in phases the
recommendations made by the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) in its Study on Road
Traffic Congestion. Please advise on the details of the progress of taking forward each of
those recommendations, the expected timetables for consultation and implementation, as
well as the estimated expenditure involved.
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 1)
Reply:
The Government agrees in-principle to take forward in phases the host of short, medium and
long-term measures recommended by the TAC in December 2014 to alleviate road traffic
congestion, having regard to stakeholders’ views, feasibility of available options and
overseas experience, etc.
For example, we commenced a three-month public engagement exercise for the Electronic
Road Pricing Pilot Scheme in Central and its adjacent areas in December 2015, and will
commission an in-depth feasibility study to develop the details for further discussion. We
have proposed to raise the fixed penalty charges for congestion-related traffic offences in
tandem with inflation to restore their deterrent effect. We have also undertaken to conduct
a parking policy review in 2016-17, with priority accorded to considering and meeting the
parking need of commercial vehicles. To reduce vehicles circulating on roads looking for
available parking space, the Transport Department (TD) has contacted operators of
commercial public car parks to encourage them to provide real-time information on parking
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 0 9
vacancies of their car parks. The TD is also enhancing its traffic information system so
that the real-time parking vacancies data can be disseminated to the public through TD’s
websites and mobile applications.
As on-going measures, we will continue to strengthen our effort on publicity and education
to promote compliance with traffic rules and regulation. On the enforcement side, whilst
police duties will continue to prioritise offence that impact road safety, the Police will seek
to increase monitoring the particularly congested areas under the latest Selective Traffic
Enforcement Policy.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)129
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1425)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding overseeing the implementation of the existing special helping measures (SHM)
for the six major outlying island ferry routes, please advise on the latest progress of the
work, the work plan and objectives for 2016-17 and the budget involved.
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK-Chi-ming (Member Question No. 2)
Reply:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee approved a commitment of about
$190 million in July 2013 to provide the six major outlying island ferry routes with SHM
for the current three-year licence period starting from April / July 2014 Note
. The
commitment straddles over four financial years starting from 2014-15. In 2015-16, the
estimated provision of SHM is $63.9 million. As at end February 2016, the accumulated
expenditure has reached about $52.8 million.
In 2016-17, the Government would continue to implement SHM with an estimate of
$63.3 million. The Government is carrying out a mid-term review on the provision of the
SHM to the six major outlying island ferry routes. We will be reporting the findings of the
review to the LegCo Panel on Transport on 15 April 2016. At a later stage, we will also
review whether SHM should be extended to other outlying island ferry routes.
Note: The six major outlying island ferry routes are “Central – Cheung Chau”; “Inter-islands” serving Peng
Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau; “Central – Mui Wo”; “Central – Peng Chau”; “Central –
Yung Shue Wan”; and “Central – Sok Kwu Wan”. The current three-year licence of “Central – Mui Wo”
route commenced on 1 April 2014 whereas the licences of the remaining five routes on 1 July 2014.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 1
The monitoring of the implementation of SHM is undertaken by the staff of the Transport
Branch of the Transport and Housing Bureau as part of their normal duties. There is no
separate breakdown of expenditure for this purpose.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)130
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1426)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
During 2016-17, the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) will continue to carry out the
Public Transport Strategy Study (PTSS) to look into important issues relating to various
public transport modes, including the Role and Positioning Review (RPR) on franchised
buses, public light buses (PLBs), taxis, non-franchised buses, Light Rail, trams and ferries,
as well as the Topical Study. What are the latest progress and timetables for conducting
the RPR and the Topical Study, the expected time to consult the respective trades on the
results of the RPR, and the resources involved?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 3)
Reply:
In late 2014, the Government rolled out the two parts of the PTSS, namely the RPR and the
Topical Study in phases, to conduct a systemic review of the roles and positioning of public
transport services other than heavy rail, and to study some important topical issues that are of
concern to the public transport trades. The aim of the PTSS is to enhance the existing
strategic arrangements of our public transport services in tandem with the further
development of the heavy rail network, so as to ensure the long-term, balanced, efficient,
multi-model and sustainable development of public transport services.
In view of the public views on taxi and PLB services, we have accorded priority to the
reviews of these two services under the RPR. The key areas of study are the feasibility of
introducing premium taxis and increasing the seating capacity of PLBs. We plan to report
the progress of the two reviews to the Legislative Council Panel on Transport (the Panel) by
mid-2016, and strive to complete the reviews by the third quarter of 2016.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 3
Moreover, since March 2015, we have reported to the Panel the result of six Topical Studies,
including the service level of franchised bus service, school bus service, seating capacity of
PLBs, supply of taxis, taxi fuel surcharge and statutory cap on PLBs. The results of the
remaining two studies (i.e. review of ferry service and how to enhance the provision of
accessible transport facilities for people with disabilities) will be reported to the Panel within
the 2015-16 legislative year.
During the course of the study, we would from time to time report, as have been the case, the
progress and outcome of various studies to the Panel, and canvassed views of the
stakeholders through various platforms such as deputation sessions arranged by the Panel
and trade conferences.
For the RPR, a sum of $9.5 million has been earmarked for commissioning consultancy
studies. A total of six time-limited posts have been created for two and a half years in the
Transport Branch of the THB and the Transport Department, including one directorate post
of Administrative Officer Staff Grade C and five non-directorate posts. In 2016-17, the
notional annual mid-point salary value of the six posts is about $6.8 million. The Topical
Study is carried out using existing resources.
The whole PTSS is expected to be completed by mid-2017. Upon completion of the PTSS,
we will submit a consolidated report.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)131
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1427)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
During 2016-17, the Transport and Housing Bureau will continue to engage the public on
the proposed Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) pilot scheme in Central and its adjacent areas.
What is the estimated expenditure for implementing the ERP scheme? What are the
indicators or data for the Government to determine whether it should implement the
scheme? What are the resources needed for the study of the proposed ERP pilot scheme in
Central and its adjacent areas?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 4)
Reply:
The Government launched a three-month public engagement exercise for the ERP pilot
scheme in Central and its adjacent areas (the Central District ERP Pilot Scheme) in
December 2015. After the public engagement exercise, the Government will engage a
consultant to carry out an in-depth feasibility study to develop detailed options for further
public engagement. The resources needed for the feasibility study can be estimated when
the scope of the study is determined after collating and analysing the public views.
In developing options for the Central District ERP Pilot Scheme, the consultant will take
into account the public views, the latest traffic data and forecasts, overseas experience, and
findings from the past studies on the ERP. The cost of implementing the Central District
ERP Pilot Scheme will depend on a multitude of factors, such as the size of the charging
area and the choice of ERP technology, and will be estimated in the feasibility study.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)132
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1428)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise this Committee on the latest progress of the dredging works for the Kwai
Tsing Container Basin (KTCB) and its approach channel. Will the works be completed in
2016 as scheduled? Has the Government assessed the benefits to the local freight trade
upon completion of the works, such as whether the number of berthing container vessels
and container throughput will be increased? What are the resources involved for the
Transport Branch (TB) to oversee the above works in 2016-17?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 5)
Reply:
The dredging works to deepen the KTCB and its approach channel (the Project) from
15 metres to 17.5 metres will be substantially completed in April 2016 as scheduled.
Upon completion of the Project, ultra-large containerships (ULCSs) exceeding 15 metres
can also access the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals at all tides. The timely dredging
works allow ULCSs to use the Hong Kong Port, thus maintaining its competitiveness as a
hub port in the region.
The work involved in the TB in overseeing the Project will be absorbed by existing
resources.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)133
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1429)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport and Housing Bureau will set up a new maritime body in 2016-17 to drive
further development in Hong Kong’s maritime and port services. What are the details,
timetable and resources involved for the relevant work?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 6)
Reply:
The Government will merge the existing Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council and the
Hong Kong Port Development Council to form the new “Hong Kong Maritime and Port
Board” (HKMPB) in April 2016. The HKMPB will be chaired by the Secretary for
Transport and Housing, and will comprise representatives from the Government, industry,
academia and statutory bodies, etc. Three functional committees led by industry figures,
namely the Maritime and Port Development Committee; the Promotion and External
Relations Committee; and the Manpower Development Committee, will be formed under
the HKMPB. For 2016-17, additional provision of $16.44 million, including $1.2 million
for InvestHK, has been allocated to support the work of the HKMPB.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)134
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1430)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise this Committee on the work done by the Government and the Airport
Authority Hong Kong (AA) to enhance airport capacity in 2015-16. What are the work
plan and objectives of the Transport Branch and the AA for enhancing airport capacity,
airport services, and the airport’s connectivity and competitiveness in 2016-17? What is
the budget involved?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 7)
Reply:
In 2015, the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) welcomed 68.5 million passengers,
showing a year-on-year (yoy) increase of 8.1%. Cargo throughput and flight movements
reached 4.4 million tonnes and 406 000 respectively, representing the yoy growth of 0.1%
and 3.8%. The Government would continue its effort in progressively liberalising the air
services regime with a view to expanding Hong Kong’s aviation network and strengthening
our status as an international hub and the primary gateway to the Mainland. We shall seek
to further liberalise the existing Air Services Agreements with our 64 aviation partners as
well as air services arrangements and to negotiate new air services agreements /
arrangements with our aviation partners as opportunities arise, so as to enhance the
connectivity of the HKIA and bring new impetus to the aviation sector.
By the end of 2014, the AA completed the west apron expansion project. The 28
additional aircraft parking stands went into full operation last year, increasing the parking
capacity of the maintenance and cargo aprons. In late 2015, the AA completed the
Midfield Concourse and its ancillary facilities, which are being put into operation in phases
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 8
as planned. The AA expects that, upon full operation of the Midfield Concourse, it will
handle about 20% of passenger flights, increasing the airport’s handling capacity by an
additional ten million passengers per annum, which will help in coping with the medium
term air traffic demand.
The Government also attaches great importance to manpower training to support the
sustainable development of the aviation industry. We set up a $100-million Maritime and
Aviation Training Fund on 1 April 2014, and launched a number of training and incentive
schemes which seek to provide support to more young students or in-service practitioners to
undertake relevant skills training and pursue professional undergraduate studies, and
encourage them to join, inter alia, the aviation industry, thereby enhancing its overall
competency and professionalism.
At the same time, the Government’s proposal for a Civil Aviation Academy is endorsed by
the Economic Development Commission. Based on the findings of a consultancy study
commissioned by the Civil Aviation Department some time earlier, the Government
supports the establishment of a Civil Aviation Academy under the AA. The objectives are
to develop the skills of local and overseas aviation practitioners by training local and
regional air transport managers, to raise the safety and efficiency of air transport, and to
entrench Hong Kong’s leading position as a major regional aviation hub. The Government
will work with the AA to work out the details of setting up the Civil Aviation Academy.
There was robust growth in air traffic movements (ATMs) at the HKIA in the past few
years, with an average growth rate of about 5% per year. The ATMs at the HKIA reached
406 000 in 2015. In the light of the current projection and growth of traffic, the existing
two-runway system is expected to reach full capacity very soon. Notwithstanding the above
expansion projects which could incrementally and temporarily enhance the operations of the
HKIA, the bottleneck of the HKIA remains the runway capacity. There is a pressing need
to take forward the implementation of the Three-Runway System (3RS) as soon as possible
to cater for the long-term air traffic demand and maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness
amidst increasing competition from the neighbouring airports.
On 17 March 2015, the Executive Council affirmed the need for the 3RS project. The
project is estimated to cost around $141.5 billion in money-of-the-day prices. The AA is
actively working on the implementation of the project, including detailed designs of the
works, the financial arrangement plan and implementation of a series of environmental
mitigation measures committed in the Environmental Impact Assessment report and in
compliance with the conditions of the Environmental Permit. In parallel, the statutory
procedures of the project are in progress under the Foreshore and Seabed (Reclamations)
Ordinance and the Town Planning Ordinance for the relevant reclamation works and outline
zoning plan respectively. The procedures are expected to be completed around mid-2016.
The AA estimates that upon full commissioning of the 3RS, the HKIA has the capacity to
handle around 100 million passengers and nine million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030,
up from 68.5 million passengers and 4.4 million tonnes of cargo in 2015.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 1 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)135
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1431)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In order to make better use of port back-up land, the Government has explored the
feasibility of developing a site in Kwai Chung, currently used for port back-up purposes,
into a multi-storey car park principally for use by container trucks and medium/heavy goods
vehicles. Please advise this Committee on the progress of the relevant study. What is the
anticipated time of commencing tendering for the project and what is the estimated time of
completion of the project?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 8)
Reply:
The Transport Department commissioned a consultancy study in June 2014 on a site in
Kwai Chung to explore the feasibility of developing a multi-storey car park for use by
container and heavy goods vehicles so as to free up some existing parking sites for port
back-up uses. The consultancy study is being finalised. We will consider the way
forward in the light of its findings.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)136
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1432)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
To enhance the operational efficiency of the Hong Kong Port (HKP), the Government
announced the Proposals for Enhancing the Use of Port Back-up Land in Kwai Tsing (the
Proposals) in 2015-16. Please advise this Committee on the latest progress made in
implementing the various proposals. What are the details of the work plan, objectives and
resources involved for implementing the proposals in 2016-17?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 9)
Reply:
We consulted stakeholders on the Proposals from June to August 2015. With the trade’s
positive feedback, we are actively implementing the Proposals. Progress is set out below:
Measures Progress
(1) Providing additional yard space and
barge berths to alleviate port
congestion and enhance cargo handling
efficiency by integrating port back-up
sites into adjacent container terminals
to increase their yard area and provide
additional barge berths.
(a) We have drawn up the blueprint of
basic terms for site integration and are
now processing applications for two of
the three sites.
(b) For another two sites with barge
berthing facilities, we are making
preparatory work to rezone them for
port back-up use.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 1
Measures Progress
(2) Refining management of land let out
by short term tenancies (STTs) by
extending the duration of STTs for
container storage or cargo storage,
restricting STT sites to single use and
waiving the triennial rental review.
Completed. New terms will be applied
upon re-tendering.
(3) Optimising utilisation and efficiency of
port back-up land in the long term by
examining the feasibility of developing
multi-storey facilities in Kwai Tsing
area for port back-up purpose.
(a) A study to examine the feasibility of
developing a multi-storey car park for
use by container trucks and heavy
goods vehicles is underway.
(b) A study to examine the feasibility of
developing a multi-storey complex in
Tsing Yi for container storage and
cargo handling will commence shortly.
In 2016-17, we will continue with the above work with existing resources.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)137
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1433)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the 10 hectares (ha) of land in Tuen Mun West reserved by the Government for
logistics development, please advise this Committee on the estimated time of site disposal.
What is the progress of identifying suitable sites for logistics development? Please
illustrate by their locations, areas and years of availability. In addition to those sites
confirmed for logistics development, the Transport Branch will continue to identify suitable
sites and examine their feasibility for logistics development in collaboration with relevant
departments in 2016-17. What are the relevant work plan and resources involved?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 10)
Reply:
We have reserved 10 ha of land in Tuen Mun West, comprising a site in Tuen Mun Area 49
(around 3.5 ha) and another site in Tuen Mun Area 38 (around 6.5 ha), for modern logistics
development. For the site in Tuen Mun Area 49, with the District Council’s agreement, we
will seek the Town Planning Board’s approval for the designated land use as soon as
practicable. Tuen Mun Area 38 is being used as a temporary fill bank until the end of
2018. We will liaise with relevant government departments on its release for modern
logistics use upon expiry of the current tenure.
We will continue to work with the relevant bureaux/departments to identify other suitable
land for logistics use in different parts of Hong Kong, including the Hung Shui Kiu New
Development Area (HSKNDA), Tuen Mun Areas 40 and 46 and the topside development at
the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao
Bridge (topside development). Under the Recommended Outline Development Plan of the
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 3
study on the HSKNDA, about 37 ha of land have been reserved for logistics development.
For Tuen Mun Areas 40 and 46 and the topside development, the land use proposals are still
under study.
For the Transport and Housing Bureau, the work involved is undertaken by existing
manpower.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)138
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1434)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding e-logistics promotion, please advise this Committee on the progress and
resources involved for promoting the following two initiatives in 2015-16:
(a) “SMe-Plug Jumpstart Program” (the Jumpstart Program); and
(b) the proposed development of a “Smart Warehouse Internet-of-Things Management
System” (SWIMS) by the Hong Kong R&D Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain
Management Enabling Technologies (LSCM).
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 11)
Reply:
(a) With the support of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council
(LOGSCOUNCIL), the LSCM and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC)
joined hands to implement the Jumpstart Program in March 2015 to encourage small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in logistics to adopt e-freight. In 2015-16, the
LSCM and the HKPC co-organised briefing sessions and technical training for
selected service providers. The HKPC also conducted several seminars to promote
SMe-Plug to SMEs. Recruitment of logistics SMEs to participate in the programme
is currently underway.
(b) The SWIMS developed by the LSCM is an enabling technology for a smart and agile
warehousing system for logistics SMEs. In 2015-16, the LSCM collected user
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 5
requirements from logistics SMEs, with a view to launching a pilot programme and
preparing a detailed proposal for funding application in 2016-17. This initiative does
not involve injection of resources by the Transport and Housing Bureau.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)139
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1435)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2015-16, the Transport Branch (TB) worked with industry associations to develop and
implement initiatives to support the development of the logistics sector. Please advise this
Committee on the details of such work and the resources involved.
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 12)
Reply:
In 2015-16, the TB continued to work with industry associations on two different initiatives
to promote development of the logistics industry. They include the “SMe-Plug Jumpstart
Program” (the Jumpstart Program) and a training programme for the freight logistics sector
(the Training Programme).
With the support of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council, the Hong Kong R&D
Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management Enabling Technologies (LSCM) and
the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) joined hands to implement the Jumpstart
Program in March 2015 to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in
logistics to adopt e-freight. In 2015-16, the LSCM and the HKPC co-organised briefing
sessions and technical training for selected service providers. The HKPC also conducted
several seminars to promote SMe-Plug to SMEs. Recruitment of logistics SMEs to
participate in the programme SMEs is currently underway.
The Training Programme, which is aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of the
frontline staff of the freight logistics sector, was designed and implemented by the
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong (CILTHK) and the Hong Kong
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 7
Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Limited (HAFFA). It was rolled out in
phases from early 2010. In 2015-16, 31 participants completed training under different
modules of the Programme. The CILTHK and the HAFFA will continue to implement the
Training Programme for logistics practitioners.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)140
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1005)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: The Government has indicated that it will continue to develop schemes to improve existing
cycle tracks and associated facilities in nine new towns in the New Territories. Please list
out the nine new towns. Please specify what additional associated facilities will be
provided, and whether publicity will be enhanced to encourage the public to use bicycles as
a mode of public transport to support green transport system.
Asked by: Hon CHAN Hak-kan (Member Question No. 12)
Reply: The nine new towns in the New Territories are Shatin/Ma On Shan, Tai Po, Sheung
Shui/Fanling, Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Tung Chung and Tseung
Kwan O.
As part of a consultancy study on improving the cycle track network in the nine new towns
in the New Territories, the Transport Department (TD) has drawn up a list of about 900
potential improvement sites. The first batch of improvement works for about 100 sites,
including provision of additional bicycle parking spaces, enhancement of cycling signage
and widening of bends at existing cycle tracks, will start in 2016 in phases, with a target for
completion in two years. The TD is working on the remaining improvement proposals and
will implement them in stages.
Roads in Hong Kong, especially those in the urban area, are usually narrow and crowded.
Due to road safety considerations, the Government does not encourage the use of bicycle as
a transport mode in the urban areas. New towns and new development areas, on the other
hand, generally have lower traffic density and hence are more suitable for commuters to use
bicycles for short-distance commuting, as well as for leisure and recreational purpose.
Therefore, the Government has been fostering a “bicycle-friendly” environment in new
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 2 9
towns and new development areas. The Government will continue to enhance publicity on
cycling safety and the dissemination of information on existing and new cycling facilities.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)141
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1824)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In recent years, there are shortage of parking spaces and traffic congestion in each district in
Hong Kong. Will the Government inform this Committee of the following:
(1) the manpower and expenditure incurred by the Government on studies on the increase
of parking spaces in the past three years; and
(2) whether the Government will commence more comprehensive and extensive studies to
explore how to solve the traffic congestion problems in each district.
Asked by: Hon CHAN Han-pan (Member Question No. 7)
Reply:
(1) The Transport Department (TD) has been, as its ongoing task, monitoring the supply
and demand for parking spaces in Hong Kong. It has identified suitable spaces for
parking and provided additional parking spaces in the districts whenever opportunities
arise and the situation permits. These are undertaken as part of the normal duties in
the TD, and there is no separate breakdown of expenditure for such work.
(2) The Government adopts a three-pronged approach in tackling road traffic congestion,
namely improving transport infrastructure, expanding and improving the public
transport system, and managing road use. While improving transport infrastructure
and expanding and improving the public transport system often have regional or even
territory-wide impact, the TD monitors the road traffic congestion situation in different
districts at a micro level, and implements traffic management measures such as
imposing restriction zones to prohibit kerbside activities and fine-tuning traffic signal
plans at signalised junctions to increase junction capacities.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 1
The Government agrees in-principle to take forward in phases the host of short,
medium and long-term measures recommended by the Transport Advisory Committee
(TAC) in December 2014 to alleviate road traffic congestion, having regard to
stakeholders’ views, feasibility of available options and overseas experience, etc.
One of the recommendations made by the TAC is that the Government should
commence the early planning of a pilot scheme of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP),
which has been proved to be a useful tool to tackle localised traffic congestion in a
number of overseas cities. To take this forward, the Government has commenced a
three-month public engagement exercise for the ERP Pilot Scheme in Central and its
adjacent areas in December 2015, and will commission an in-depth feasibility study to
develop the details for further discussion. We will also commence in 2016-17 a
review on parking policy and standards, with priority accorded to considering and
meeting the parking need of commercial vehicles.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)142
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1836)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Management of Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide information on the respective management fees payable to the contractors for
management, operation and maintenance (MOM) services of various tunnels and bridges
operated by the Government and provide the operating results of these tunnels and bridges
in the table below:
2015-16
surplus / (deficit)
($)
2014-15
surplus / (deficit)
($)
2013-14
surplus / (deficit)
($)
Cross-Harbour Tunnel
Lion Rock Tunnel
Shing Mun Tunnels
Tseung Kwan O Tunnel
Aberdeen Tunnel
Eagle’s Nest Tunnel
Lantau Link
Asked by: Hon CHAN Han-pan (Member Question No. 19)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 3
Reply:
The MOM of all these tunnels and the Lantau Link have been outsourced to private
contractors. The names of the existing contractors and the management fees payable to the
contractors from 2013-14 to 2015-16 are as follows:
Name of MOM Contractor Management Fees to
MOM Contractors ($ million)
2015-16 2014-15 2013-14
Cross-Harbour
Tunnel
Serco Group (H.K.) Limited 63 63 63
Lion Rock Tunnel Greater Lucky (H.K.)
Company Limited
34 34 33
Shing Mun
Tunnels
Greater Lucky (H.K.)
Company Limited
33 33 32
Tseung Kwan O
Tunnel
Greater Lucky (H.K.)
Company Limited
33 33 32
Aberdeen Tunnel Transport Infrastructure
Management Limited / Serco
Group (H.K.) Limited Note 1
43 40 37
Route 8K Note 2
Serco Lam JV / Transport
Infrastructure Management
Limited Note 3
101 101 116
Route 8T Note 2
57 57 61
Lantau Link Note 4
TIML MOM Limited /
Transport Infrastructure
Management Limited Note 5
106 104 98
Non-Lantau
Link Note 4
109 106 101
Note 1 – The Transport Infrastructure Management Limited has taken up the MOM contract from the
Serco Group (H.K.) Limited since 29 September 2014 upon expiry of the previous MOM
contract.
Note 2 – The MOM contract for Route 8 covers both Route 8K (Sha Tin – Cheung Sha Wan section)
and Route 8T (Cheung Sha Wan – Tsing Yi section). The Eagle’s Nest Tunnel forms part
of Route 8K.
Note 3 – Serco Lam JV has taken up the MOM contract from the Transport Infrastructure
Management Limited since 19 September 2013 upon expiry of the previous MOM contract.
Note 4 – The MOM contract for the Tsing Ma Control Area covers both the Lantau Link and the
non-Lantau Link portion.
Note 5 – The contractor changed its company name from the Transport Infrastructure Management
Limited to the TIML MOM Limited upon contract renewal on 19 November 2013.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 4
The operating results (before tax) of the above tunnels and bridges for the past three years
are as follows:
2014-15
surplus / (deficit)
($ million)
2013-14
surplus / (deficit)
($ million)
2012-13
surplus / (deficit)
($ million)
Cross-Harbour Tunnel Note 1
667.8 666.0 672.6
Lion Rock Tunnel Note 2
192.4 195.2 187.3
Shing Mun Tunnels Note 2
38.4 37.5 35.4
Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Note 2
44.2 43.2 41.8
Aberdeen Tunnel Note 2
45.2 51.0 52.7
Route 8K (Eagle’s Nest Tunnel
forms part of Route 8K) Note 2
(120.3) (141.6) (174.1)
Lantau Link Note 2
247.1 222.4 188.3 Note 1: The Cross-Harbour Tunnel was a “Build-Operate-Transfer” project. The capital cost of
the Cross-Harbour Tunnel was not contributed by the Government. The figures provided
in the above table represent the difference between revenue (including the tolls) and
management fee paid to the contractor for the year concerned. Note 2: These tunnels and bridges were constructed by the Government. The operating results
have taken into account the depreciation charges of the capital costs of the tunnels and
bridges for the years concerned.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)143
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1838)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Management of Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What are the numbers of parking spaces for private cars and commercial vehicles provided
by public car parks (including roadside parking spaces) in each of the 18 districts of Hong
Kong? Please make reference to the following example in the reply.
Furthermore, the Government indicated that a new parking meter scheme will be launched.
What are the details of the scheme and the expenditure incurred?
Example:
District
Public car
parks
On-street
metered
parking spaces
Public car
parks
On-street
metered
parking spaces
Number (No.)
and utilisation
rate of private
car parking
spaces
No. and
utilisation rate of
private car
parking spaces
No. and
utilisation rate of
commercial
vehicle
parking spaces
No. and
utilisation rate of
commercial
vehicle
parking spaces
Wong Tai Sin No. (%) No. (%) No. (%) No. (%)
Asked by: Hon CHAN Han-pan (Member Question No. 21)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 6
Reply:
The numbers of parking spaces provided on-street (metered) and in government and private
car parks available for use by the public in each of the 18 districts as at end February 2016
are shown in the following table:
District
Public car
parks*
On-street
metered
parking spaces
Public car
parks*
On-street
metered
parking spaces
No. of
private car
parking spaces
No. of
private car
parking spaces
No. of
commercial
vehicle+
parking spaces
No. of
commercial
vehicle+
parking spaces
Central and
Western 10 334 398 783 103
Wan Chai 8 907 835 69 28
Eastern 12 998 539 796 113
Southern 7 317 596 501 87
Yau Tsim
Mong 13 418 1 492 1 883 426
Sham Shui
Po 9 287 1 177 2 072 159
Kowloon
City 8 136 2 287 1 885 251
Wong Tai
Sin 6 128 275 362 116
Kwun Tong 14 077 380 1 483 128
Tsuen Wan 10 278 429 1 238 60
Tuen Mun 8 517 981 1 296 192
Yuen Long 8 304 822 440 248
North 5 576 914 595 240
Tai Po 5 826 1 342 445 175
Sai Kung 9 519 1 003 577 217
Sha Tin 16 631 1 368 1 188 218
Kwai Tsing 10 817 354 6 840 132
Islands 6 925 149 265 38
Total 172 995 15 341 22 718 2 931
188 336 25 649
* Including government and private car parks available for use by the public
+ Including goods vehicle and non-franchised bus
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 7
As some of the public parking spaces are managed by private entities and the on-street
metered parking spaces are designed for short duration of stay only, we do not have a
complete breakdown of the utilisation rates of the above parking spaces.
At present, there are some 9 800 electronic parking meters installed at about 18 000
on-street parking spaces throughout the territory. These parking meters are approaching
the end of their planned serviceable life and will need to be replaced. Meanwhile,
contactless transaction payment cards and other related technologies are developing rapidly
in recent years. The Government will launch a new parking meter system trial scheme (the
Trial Scheme) to examine the scope for introducing a new generation of parking meters with
new features and functions including the testing of multi-payment methods.
The field trial is expected to commence in 2017. The expenditure of the Trial Scheme is
about $3.8 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)144
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1839)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
How many public buses could provide student transport service in the current and the past
three years? Please provide the information in the following table:
Year
Non-franchised
public buses (NFBs)
with student service
endorsement
Private school buses
operated directly by
schools or school
sponsoring bodies
School
private light
buses
School buses
operated under
other licences
(please specify)
Asked by: Hon CHAN Han-pan (Member Question No. 22)
Reply:
The Transport Department (TD) has been closely monitoring the supply of vehicles that can
provide school bus service and making arrangements to cater for its demand as and when
appropriate. There are three types of student service vehicles (SSVs): (i) NFBs with
student service endorsement; (ii) private school buses operated by schools or school
sponsoring bodies; and (iii) school private light buses (commonly known as “nanny vans”).
There is no SSV operated under other licences. It is observed that the ratio between
students at Form three or below and the total seating capacity of the SSVs has remained
largely stable over the last few years.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 3 9
The numbers of the SSVs by types involved in the current and past three years are set out as
follows:
NFBs with student
service
endorsement Note
Private school
buses operated by
schools or school
sponsoring bodies
School private light
buses
2015-16
(as at end February 2016)
3 168 87 1 957
2014-15 3 261 75 1 924
2013-14 3 445 71 1 775
2012-13 3 459 64 1 528
Note: NFBs with student service endorsement can also apply for other types of service
endorsement(s) from the TD to provide services for other types of passengers.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 4 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)145
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1842)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(1) Since the implementation of the Area Approach rationalisation plans, how many routes
have frequency reduced or been cancelled; and how many new routes have been
introduced in each district? How have such adjustments affected the overall
patronage of each district? Please provide information in the following table:
District Number of routes
with frequency
reduction or
cancelled
Number of new
routes
introduced
Percentage change
in overall patronage
after rationalisation
(+/-%)
North District
(2) What are the positive or negative financial implications of Area Approach
rationalisation on the bus companies involved?
Asked by: Hon CHAN Han-pan (Member Question No. 25)
Reply:
(1) Bus route rationalisation is an ongoing task. Since 2013, following announcement in
the Policy Address, the Transport Department (TD) and franchised bus companies
have been pursuing route rationalisation by using the Area Approach, in addition to the
annual route planning programmes. Under the Area Approach, bus service is
reviewed holistically for a district as a whole, rather than on a route-by-route basis to
bring maximum overall benefits to the district. The Area Approach rationalisation
was implemented in the North District, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sha Tin, Tsing Yi, Tai
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 4 1
Po and Kowloon over the past three years. Details of the rationalisation proposals are
set out below:
District Number of routes
cancelled,
truncated, or with
frequency reduced
Number of new
routes introduced,
or routes with
service improved
Percentage change
in overall patronage
after rationalisation*
(+/-%)
North 8 15 +6%
Tuen Mun 10 9 +6%
Yuen Long 5 17 +8.8%
Sha Tin 9 10 +2.7%
Tsing Yi 7 3 +3.5%
Tai Po 5 12 +3.6%
Kowloon 1 5 Not applicable#
*
Including interchanging passenger trips
# As the bus rationalisation proposals for Kowloon have only been implemented
for a few months, the travelling pattern of the passengers will take some time to
stabilise. The TD and the bus companies will continue to closely monitor the
situation.
(2) Generally speaking, the Area Approach rationalisation enables the use of the bus
resources in a more cost-effective manner and enhances the efficiency of the bus
network. Moreover, rationalising overly circuitous routes and deploying resources
from low-utilisation routes to high-demand ones can optimise the use of road
resources. The increase in the overall patronage of the routes serving the North
District, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sha Tin, Tsing Yi and Tai Po is an indication of the
improvement in the bus network’s popularity. The route rationalisation proposals
may affect routings, frequencies and patronage, thereby affecting both the expenditure
and revenue of bus companies. Yet, it should be noted that the patronage of
franchised bus routes may also be affected by other external factors such as
demographic changes in the districts, commissioning of infrastructural development
and introduction of promotional fare schemes by other public transport modes, other
than the rationalisation proposals themselves. It is difficult to assess the individual
impact of each of these factors on the financial situation of the bus companies. As
such, it is difficult to ascertain the financial implications of route rationalisation
proposals on the bus companies.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 4 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)146
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1844)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(1) Please provide the average car journey speeds at the morning and evening peak hours
on the following roads and tunnels:
Road 2015
(till now)
2014 2013 2012 2011
Hong Kong Island
Canal Road Flyover
Gloucester Road (east bound)
Island Eastern Corridor (section
near Victoria Park)
Connaught Road West
Connaught Road East
Connaught Road Central
Pedder Street
Harcourt Road (Central bound)
Hennessy Road (Central bound)
Queen’s Road Central (Central
bound)
Kowloon
Chatham Road North
Princess Margaret Road (Tsim Sha
Tsui and Cross-Harbour Tunnel
bound)
Gascoigne Road
Kwun Tong Bypass (near Lei Yue
Mun Road)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 4 3
Tunnel 2015
(till now)
2014 2013 2012 2011
Cross-Harbour Tunnel
Eastern Harbour Crossing
Western Harbour Crossing
Lion Rock Tunnel
Tate’s Cairn Tunnel
Route 8 (section between Cheung
Sha Wan and Sha Tin)
(2) Does the Government have any measures for improving the car journey speeds? If
yes, what are these measures? Please tabulate the expenditure involved and the
anticipated completion date for each of these measures.
Asked by: Hon CHAN Han-pan (Member Question No. 27)
Reply:
(1) The average speeds during the morning peak hours (i.e. 8:00 am – 9:30 am) and
evening peak hours (i.e. 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm) of the following roads and tunnels from
2011 to 2015 are tabulated below. It must be emphasised that the driving speed on
relatively shorter sections of roads can easily be affected by unexpected circumstances,
such as momentary slowing down caused by other merging vehicles, temporary
blockage by stationary vehicles at roadside, or pedestrian activities. Hence, the
speeds so derived for individual road sections must be interpreted with care, and
should not be used as the sole indicator for the changes in the level of congestion of
the roads concerned.
Road Average speed at the morning and evening peak hours
provide incentives for the interested parties to develop applications serving as one-stop
dissemination of real-time information on parking vacancies for use by motorists.
The TD is also enhancing its “Hong Kong eRouting” website and mobile application
service for dissemination of parking vacancy information, targeted to be available for
motorists’ use in mid-2016. We expect that the dissemination of carpark vacancy
information will increase utilisation of commercial public car parks and is itself an
incentive for commercial public carpark operators to respond positively to the TD’s
request for them to upload the information onto “data.gov.hk” and “Hong Kong
eRouting”.
(2) At present, there are some 9 800 electronic parking meters installed at about 18 000
on-street parking spaces throughout the territory. These parking meters are
approaching the end of their planned serviceable life and will need to be replaced.
Meanwhile, contactless transaction payment cards and other related technologies are
developing rapidly in recent years. The Government will launch a new parking meter
system trial scheme (the Trial Scheme) to examine the scope for introducing a new
generation of parking meters with new features and functions including the testing of
multi-payment methods. The TD will closely liaise with the Hong Kong Police Force
on enforcement issues during the Trial Scheme. The field trial is expected to
commence in 2017.
(3) In view of the community’s concern over parking provision, the Government will
commence in 2016-17 a review on parking policy and standards, with priority
accorded to considering and meeting the parking need of commercial vehicles. The
details of the review including the scope, programme and expenditure, etc. are being
worked out.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)164
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1720)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport Department (TD) stated that they would assist the Transport and Housing
Bureau in preparing for and commencing a review on parking policy and standards. What
are the detailed content and programme of the review?
Asked by: Hon POON Siu-ping (Member Question No. 31)
Reply:
The TD has been monitoring the supply of, and demand for, parking spaces in Hong Kong.
In view of the community’s concern over parking provision, the Government will
commence in 2016-17 a review on parking policy and standards, with priority accorded to
considering and meeting the parking need of commercial vehicles. The details of the
review including the scope and programme, etc. are being worked out.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)165
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2349)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(1) As regards the percentage of conducting road tests “within 82 days upon application for
motorcycle, private car and light goods vehicles driving licence”, the compliance rates
fell far short of the target in the past two years. This year, the Transport Department
(TD) even will not forecast an achievement rate. Why is it that the achievement rate
remains to be low and hence the TD cannot forecast an achievement rate?
(2) Will the TD have any measures to improve the achievement rate and ease the growth in
demand for driving test?
Asked by: Hon POON Siu-ping (Member Question No. 37)
Reply:
The demand for driving tests in respect of motorcycle, private car and light goods vehicle
has been on an increasing trend at an average rate of 11% from 2010 to 2015 annually; and
the trend may continue. However, the TD’s ability to provide driving test service will
continue to be constrained by resources, more significantly the limited number of driving
test centres (DTCs) available for conducting tests. Given that it is not practical to increase
resources on an open-ended basis to keep pace with demand and because of other
constraints, it is expected that similar to that of 2015, the achievement rate of the target in
2016 will remain low; and there would not be much improvement in the achievement rate in
the foreseeable future if demand keeps rising. In the circumstances, the TD is of the view
that the actual number of road tests arranged can better illustrate the TD’s performance in
this regard and can facilitate a more meaningful comparison between the TD’s performance
with that of the year before.
The TD will continue to monitor the demand pattern and flexibly allocate the available
resources to maximise the number of driving tests to be conducted.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)166
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2641)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the implementation timetable, details and expenditure involved in respect
of the Government’s plan to provide covers on certain public walkways connecting to major
public transport interchanges or railway stations in the New Territories East in 2016-17.
Asked by: Dr Hon Elizabeth QUAT (Member Question No. 36)
Reply:
The Chief Executive announced in the 2016 Policy Address that the Government would
provide covers on certain walkways connecting to public transport facilities so that
members of the public, especially the elderly, could walk under shelters without being
exposed to the weather.
To take forward the initiative, the Government will model on the bottom-up approach of the
Universal Accessibility Programme by inviting the District Councils (DCs) to consult local
communities and, based on local needs, nominate one public walkway in each district for
provision of cover. The Transport Department (TD) and the Highways Department (HyD)
will provide advice to the DCs from traffic and construction aspects respectively. The DCs
will then decide on the public walkways for which covers will be provided under the
scheme after taking into account the advice of the TD and the HyD. The Government will
brief the DCs on the details of the above new initiative in due course. Depending on the
time needed for local consultation, as well as planning and design procedures, we expect
that the projects will commence in phases starting from 2018. At this stage, details of the
projects in various districts including the estimated expenditure are not yet available.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)167
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0467)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Government shall allocate an additional $200 million to install traffic detectors along
some strategic routes. In this connection, please advise the following information:
(a) the expenditure breakdown of the project;
(b) what are the reasons of installing traffic detectors along some strategic routes, instead
of all strategic routes, at this stage; whether it will extend to all strategic routes in the
later stage;
(c) whether it had considered making use of mobile applications to disseminate real-time
traffic information to the public; if yes, please provide details, estimated expenditure
and measures to enhance publicity?
Asked by: Hon Abraham SHEK Lai-him (Member Question No. 35)
Reply:
(a) The estimated breakdown of the expenditure of the project is as follows:
Item $ million
Design and Consultancy Services 12
Construction and Installation Works Contract 160
Contingencies 28
Total 200
The exact expenditure breakdown will only be available after the tendering work for
the services and works contracts has been completed.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 5
(b) In some sections of the strategic routes, detectors have been installed or will be
installed as part of the Traffic Control and Surveillance Systems1 (TCSS) and the
Speed Map Panels (SMP) System2. Beside the detectors mentioned above, we plan to
install traffic detectors in the following sections of roads which have relatively higher
traffic volumes but are not covered by the two systems:
(i) Route 1: from Aberdeen Praya Road to Sha Tin Road (excluding the
Aberdeen Tunnel, the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, the Lion Rock Tunnel, and
south bound of Sha Tin Road and Lion Rock Tunnel Road)
(ii) Route 2: from the Eastern Harbour Tunnel (Kowloon Exit) to the Tate’s
Cairn Highway (excluding the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel and south bound of the
Tate’s Cairn Highway)
(iii) Route 3: from the Western Harbour Tunnel (Kowloon Exit) to the Tsing
Long Highway (excluding the Cheung Ching Tunnel, the Cheung Ching
Highway, the Tai Lam Tunnel, and southbound of the Tsing Long Highway)
(iv) Route 4: from the Island Eastern Corridor to Connaught Road West
(excluding the Central Wanchai Bypass)
(v) Route 5: from Kai Fuk Road to Tsuen Wan Road (excluding the Kai Tak
Tunnel)
(vi) Route 6: from Wan Po Road Junction with Pung Loi Road to Ching Cheung
Road (excluding the Tseung Wan O Tunnel)
(vii) Route 7: the North Lantau Highway from the Lantau Link (Lantau Island
Exit) to the Airport
(viii) Route 8: from Tai Po Road (Sha Tin) to the Shing Mun Tunnel (Shatin Exit)
and the Shing Mun Tunnel (Tsuen Wan Exit) to Cheung Pei Shan Road
We will review and consider expanding the detector installation to the remaining
sections of the strategic routes after completion of the project.
________________ 1 The TCSS have been installed at the following locations: the Aberdeen Tunnel, the Cross Harbour Tunnel, the Lion Rock
Tunnel, the Eastern Harbour Tunnel, the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel, the Tai Lam Tunnel, the Kai Tak Tunnel, the Tseung Kwan O
Tunnel, the Shing Mun Tunnel, the Tsing Ma Control Area, the Tsing Sha Control Area, the Shenzhen Western Corridor, and
the Tolo Highway between Sha Tin and Tai Po near Hong Lok Yuen. The TCSS will also be installed at the Central Wanchai
Bypass and the Tolo Highway between Tai Po near Hong Lok Yuen and Fanling.
2 The SMP System covers the southbound of strategic routes from the New Territories to Kowloon, including: the Tolo Highway
near the Science Park to the Lion Rock Tunnel (Kowloon Exit), the Tate’s Cairn Highway to the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel (Kowloon
Exit), Tai Po Road (Sha Tin) from the Tolo Highway to the Eagle’s Nest Tunnel (Kowloon Exit), Shing Mun Tunnel Road to
the Shing Mun Tunnel (Kowloon Exit), the San Tin Highway near Fairview Park to Ting Kau via the Tai Lam Tunnel, the Yuen
Long Highway to Tsuen Wan via Tuen Mun Road, and Castle Peak Road from Pui To Road to Tsuen Wan (West).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 6
(c) The Transport Department (TD) has been disseminating real-time traffic information
through electronic platforms, such as websites and mobile applications of the “Hong
Kong eRouting” and “Hong Kong eTransport”. After the installation of traffic
detectors under the project has been completed, the traffic information collected will
also be disseminated through these electronic platforms. The additional expenditure
for enhancing these existing platforms is about $50,000. We will publicise the
arrangement through press release, announcements on the TD’s website and
notifications through mobile applications. We will also inform the public that
datasets containing such information are also available on the Government’s
“Data.Gov.Hk” website, so that interested parties may use the datasets to develop
mobile applications for wider use.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)168
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0210)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Paragraph 164 of the 2016 Policy Address advocates “building an age-friendly
environment”. Will the Government provide the following information?
2013 2014 2015
Traffic accidents
Number of elderly casualties in traffic
accidents and their proportion
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 68)
Reply:
Statistics on the number of traffic accidents and elderly casualties are shown in the table
below: 2013 2014 2015
Traffic accidents(1)
16 089
[20 596]
15 790
[19 854]
16 170
[20 381]
Number of elderly casualties(2)
in traffic
accidents and their proportion(3)
1 983
(9.6%)
1 984
(10.0%)
2 163
(10.6%)
Notes:
(1) Figures include all reported road traffic accidents involving personal injury. The
numbers of casualties involved in the traffic accidents are given in square brackets.
(2) Elderly casualties refer to casualties of all road users (including drivers, passengers
and pedestrians) aged 65 and over.
(3) The proportions of elderly casualties over all casualties involved in the traffic
accidents are given in brackets.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)169
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0211)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (700) General non-recurrent
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In respect of the provision required and operating expenditure for the Special Helping
Measures (SHM) provided to the six major outlying island ferry routes, please provide the
following information:
(1) For each ferry route under the SHM in 2015-16, the respective amounts applied and
approved in respect of the items:
(a) waiving the annual vessel survey fee and private mooring charge;
(b) reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing charges;
(c) reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to provision of elderly fare
concessions after netting off the amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel
licence fee exemption under the established arrangement;
(d) reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost;
(e) reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision of child fare concessions;
(f) reimbursing the vessel insurance cost; and
(g) launching the “Visit Scheme to Outlying Islands”.
(2) Does the Government plan to increase or reduce the SHM items in the coming
financial year?
(3) Does the Government plan to extend the SHM to other ferry routes? If no, what is
the reason?
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 36)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 3 9 9
Reply:
(1) Upon receiving ferry operators’ applications for reimbursement of the SHM to the
Transport Department (TD), the TD would carefully examine each application and its
supporting documents before making reimbursement to the ferry operators. As at end
February 2016, the total amounts of the SHM applied by the operators and approved
by the TD in respect of the six major outlying island ferry routes# in 2015-16 are given
in the following tables:
“Central – Cheung Chau” Amounts applied
and approved
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services concerned for
the annual vessel survey fee and private mooring charge
297
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
1,612
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off the
amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel licence fee
exemption under established arrangement
4,038
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 20,003
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision of
child fare concessions
1,918
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 800
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying Islands” 303
“Inter-islands” Amounts applied
and approved
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services concerned
for the annual vessel survey fee and private mooring charge
Not applicable*
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
Not applicable*
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off the
amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel licence
fee exemption under established arrangement
78
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost Not applicable*
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision of
child fare concessions
20
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost Not applicable*
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying Islands” Not applicable* ___________________
# The six major outlying island ferry routes include “Central – Cheung Chau”, “Inter-islands” serving Peng Chau,
Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau, “Central – Mui Wo”, “Central – Peng Chau”, “Central – Yung Shue
Wan” and “Central – Sok Kwu Wan”. * The only vessel operated on the Inter-islands ferry route is hired from another ferry operator and the hiring
charge has already included the annual vessel survey fee, private mooring charge and vessel insurance cost.
The operation of the route does not incur pier water, cleansing and electricity charges because the piers used by
the route are either landing steps (i.e. Chi Ma Wan) or the relevant charges are absorbed by other ferry routes
using the same piers (i.e. Peng Chau, Mui Wo and Cheung Chau).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 0
“Central – Mui Wo” Amounts applied
and approved
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services concerned
for the annual vessel survey fee and private mooring charge
131
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
924
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off the
amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel licence
fee exemption under established arrangement
972
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 6,659
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision of
child fare concessions
800
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 396
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying Islands” 85
“Central – Peng Chau” Amounts applied
and approved
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services concerned
for the annual vessel survey fee and private mooring charge
77
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
544
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off the
amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel licence
fee exemption under established arrangement
977
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 717
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision of
child fare concessions
321
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 353
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying Islands” 80
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 1
“Central – Yung Shue Wan” Amounts applied
and approved
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services concerned
for the annual vessel survey fee and private mooring charge
31
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
702
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off the
amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel licence
fee exemption under established arrangement
664
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 6,571
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision of
child fare concessions
934
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 571
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying Islands” 271
“Central – Sok Kwu Wan” Amounts applied
and approved
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services concerned
for the annual vessel survey fee and private mooring charge
19
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
150
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off the
amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel licence
fee exemption under established arrangement
156
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 276
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision of
child fare concessions
102
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 122
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying Islands” 111
(2) & (3) The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved in July 2013 a
commitment of $190.359 million for the provision of the SHM to the six major
outlying island ferry routes in the three-year licence period from mid-2014 to
mid-2017. The Government is carrying out a mid-term review on the provision
of the SHM to the six major outlying island ferry routes. We will be reporting to
the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on 15 April 2016. At a later stage, we
will also review whether the SHM should be extended to other outlying island
ferry routes.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)170
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0212)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport Department (TD) will develop schemes to improve existing cycle track
networks and associated facilities in nine new towns in the New Territories. In this
connection, please provide the following information:
(1) the numbers of cycle track projects in the nine new towns, length of cycle tracks
completed under each project, staff establishment involved and associated expenditure
incurred in each of the past three years;
(2) the locations, bicycle parking facilities and numbers of newly constructed bicycle
parking spaces in the nine new towns, as well as the associated expenditure incurred,
in each of the past three years; and
(3) the respective number of cycling resting stations and cycling hubs constructed along
the cycle tracks in the nine new towns, as well as the locations, facilities provided and
associated expenditure incurred in each of the past three years.
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 37)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 3
Reply:
(1) In the past three years, cycle track projects in the nine new townsNote 1
were
implemented by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) under
Head 707. The length of cycle tracks completed, associated expenditure incurred and
staff establishment involved under each project are listed as follows:
Year Cycle track
project
Length of
cycle tracks
completed
(metres)
Expenditure on
the completed
section of cycle
tracks
($ million)
Staff
establishment
involved
2015 Cycle tracks
connecting North
West New Territories
with North East New
Territories – Tuen
Mun to Sheung Shui
section Stage 1
Nil
(Works under
this project
are still under
construction.)
Not applicable
Three Engineer
grade staff Note 2
for managing
consultants who
are responsible
for supervision of
the construction
works 2014 Cycle tracks
connecting North
West New Territories
with North East New
Territories – Sheung
Shui to Ma On Shan
section
3 190 155
2013 Cycle tracks
connecting North
West New Territories
with North East New
Territories – Sheung
Shui to Ma On Shan
section
550 27
Cycle tracks and
associated facilities
along the seafront at
Tseung Kwan O
Town Centre South
1 600
21.5 Three Engineer
grade staff Note 2
(from a project
team different
from the above)
for managing
consultants who
are responsible
for supervision of
the construction
works ___________________________
Note 1: The nine new towns in the New Territories mentioned in the Controlling Officer’s
Report are Shatin / Ma On Shan, Tai Po, Sheung Shui / Fanling, Yuen Long, Tin Shui
Wai, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Tung Chung and Tseung Kwan O.
Note 2 The staff deployed are also responsible for other CEDD projects.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 4
(2) In the past three years, the locations, bicycle parking facilities and numbers of newly
constructed bicycle parking spaces in the nine new towns are listed as follows:
Year Location Type of bicycle parking facilities
Number of
bicycle parking
spaces
2015 Yuen Long Parking rack 40
Tin Shui Wai Parking rack 85
Tuen Mun Parking rack 78
2014 Shatin / Ma On Shan Parking rack 550
Sheung Shui /Fanling Parking rack and double-deck parker 612
Tuen Mun Parking rack 89
Tung Chung Parking rack 88
Tseung Kwan O Parking rack 40
2013 Shatin / Ma On Shan Parking rack 20
Tuen Mun Parking rack 4
Tung Chung Parking rack 130
Tseung Kwan O Parking rack 75
The above works are undertaken as part of the ongoing duties of the TD, the CEDD
and the Highways Department, and there is no separate breakdown on the expenditure
incurred.
(3) In the past three years, the respective number of cycling resting stations and cycling
hubs constructed by the CEDD along the cycle tracks in the nine new towns, as well as
the locations, facilities provided and expenditure incurred are listed as follows:
Year
Number of cycling resting
stations and cycling hubs
provided along cycle tracks
Location Facilities
provided
Expenditure
($ million)
2015 One cycling resting station
Tuen Mun
Bicycle parking
spaces, shelters
and benches
1
2014 Two cycling hubs
Sheung Shui and
Shatin
Bicycle rental
kiosks, parking
spaces,
practicing areas,
first aid stations
and toilets
44
Three cycling resting
stations
Two in Shatin
and
one in Tuen Mun
Bicycle parking
spaces, shelters
and benches
1
2013 Nil Not applicable
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)171
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0213)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
As regards the driving test service, please provide the following information:
(1) Please list out the staff establishment and the expenditure involved for each driving
test centre (DTC) in each of the past three years.
(2) Please list out the average daily number of road tests conducted for various vehicle
types in each DTC in each of the past three years.
(3) Please list out the number of applicants for road tests of various vehicle types and their
passing rates in each of the past three years.
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 38)
Reply:
(1) At present, there are 17 DTCs on the Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New
Territories. The daily deployment of Driving Examiners (DEs) to these DTCs
depends on the number and types of driving tests arranged for the DTCs on the day.
For example, some DTCs are dedicated for certain types of commercial vehicle
driving test and the number of driving tests conducted in these DTCs varies from day
to day. Hence, the number of DEs deployed to these centres also varies accordingly.
As the deployment plan varies from day to day for each DTC, we are unable to
provide the breakdown of DEs for each DTC. The total numbers of DE employed by
the TD and the associated annual staff cost in the past three years are appended below:
Year Number of DE posts Annual staff cost* ($ million)
2013 67 24.24
2014 72 26.96
2015 70 27.05
* Notional annual mid-point salary
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 6
(2) & (3) We do not have a breakdown of the total number of driving tests conducted in a
year by individual DTCs, but have kept a breakdown plus passing rate of the
DTCs on the Hong Kong Island and the DTCs in Kowloon and the New
Territories as follows:
Vehicle Type
2013 2014 2015
Hong
Kong
Island^
Kowloon
and
the New
Territories*
Hong
Kong
Island^
Kowloon
and
the New
Territories*
Hong
Kong
Island^
Kowloon
and
the New
Territories*
Private Car
(Combined
Test)
Number of tests conducted 5 508 13 611 7 315 18 955 7 963 20 592
Passing rate (%) 37 32 33 29 33 27
Private Car
(Part B Test)
Number of tests conducted 456 2 311 485 2 776 439 2 316
Passing rate (%) 80 84 82 83 77 84
Private Car
(Part C Test)
Number of tests conducted 2 654 9 905 3 690 11 545 4 462 13 401
Passing rate (%) 68 63 64 61 60 58
Light Goods
Vehicle
(Combined
Test)
Number of tests conducted 4 512 24 461 5 979 31 955 6 340 34 422
Passing rate (%) 28 29 27 26 25 22
Light Goods
Vehicle
(Part B Test)
Number of tests conducted 165 2 806 204 2 685 208 2 541
Passing rate (%) 86 85 85 85 85 83
Light Goods
Vehicle
(Part C Test)
Number of tests conducted 3 403 17 791 4 071 21 754 5 088 22 936
Passing rate (%) 58 60 58 58 51 54
Motorcycle
(Part B Test)
Number of tests conducted 863 5 768 834 6 104 905 6 310
Passing rate (%) 80 76 81 75 75 75
Motorcycle
(Part C Test)
Number of tests conducted 1 412 5 454 1 677 6 757 1 759 6 687
Passing rate (%) 46 47 42 46 44 43
Medium
Goods
Vehicle
(Road Test)
Number of tests conducted 1 095 3 984 974 4 127 1 164 4 218
Passing rate (%) 48 49 47 49 37 42
Heavy
Goods
Vehicle
(Road Test)#
Number of tests conducted - 2 557 - 2 234 - 2 985
Passing rate (%) - 46 - 39 - 31
Public Bus
(Road Test)
Number of tests conducted 1 101 3 492 956 3 006 1 091 3 550
Passing rate (%) 51 55 50 51 45 43
Public Light
Bus
(Road Test)
Number of tests conducted 61 518 50 390 68 478
Passing rate (%) 54 35 44 39 38 33
Articulated
Vehicle
(Road Test)#
Number of tests conducted - 1 590 - 1 383 - 1 327
Passing rate (%) - 51 - 53 - 44
# No heavy goods vehicle and articulated vehicle driving tests were conducted on the Hong Kong Island.
^ There are four DTCs on the Hong Kong Island.
* There are 13 DTCs in Kowloon and the New Territories.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)172
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0214)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
As regards the service performance of licensing offices, please provide the following
information:
(1) Please provide the number of complaint cases on driving test, and list out by nature of
complaint matters, the follow-up actions taken, average handling time, staff
establishment for handling the complaints concerned, as well as the number of
successful complaint cases in each of the past three years.
(2) The number of applicants visiting the licensing offices has been increasing. Does the
Government have any plan to increase the expenditure of the related programme for
establishing new licensing offices and increasing the staff establishment? If no, what
is the reason?
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 39)
Reply:
(1) The numbers of complaints received concerning driving test matters in 2013, 2014 and
2015 were 206, 260 and 249 respectively. Of the complaints received during the said
periods, over 95 per cent were related to the marking of candidates’ performance during
driving tests. Very often the candidates alleged that they had not made certain
mistakes as marked by driving examiners (DEs) that had led to failure of their driving
tests. There was also a small proportion of complaints concerning the conduct and
behaviour of DEs, such as their manners, unclear instructions given and inconsistency in
marking. In the past three years, two complaints were found substantiated.
At present, two DEs are assigned to handle driving test complaints as part of their
normal duties. They investigate each and every case received by reviewing relevant
test records, conducting site inspection, interviewing the DE concerned and/or
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 8
complainant to verify the complaint and obtain more information if necessary.
Investigation of a case is normally completed (including informing the complainant of
the investigation outcome) in about ten working days. Additional time may be
required for complicated cases that require more in-depth investigation.
(2) The Transport Department (TD) operates four licensing offices located in Admiralty,
Sham Shui Po, Kwun Tong and Shatin. In order to cope with the increasing demand
for counter services at the licensing offices in recent years, the TD has implemented a
number of process re-engineering measures to enhance the efficiency and service
capacity of its licensing offices. Such measures include encouraging the use of
non-counter licensing services, implementing the Appointment Booking Service to
better schedule the applications processed through the counters and optimise the
utilisation of counter services by the public and the use of flexible queuing
arrangements. The above re-engineering measures have effectively increased the
service capacity at the licensing offices without increasing the manpower resources and
physical accommodation to cater for increasing demand for licensing services.
Nevertheless, we anticipate that there will be another ten-year cyclical upsurge of
renewal of full driving licences starting from 2017 and the number of driving licence
renewal applications will increase by four to five times. The upsurge is expected to
last for around five years until 2021. To cater for this upsurge, additional manpower
resources on a time-limited basis have been secured. The TD will continue to monitor
the demand for licensing services and review the related resources on a regular basis to
ensure that the service demand is satisfactorily met.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 0 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)173
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0215)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In respect of the work of the Transport Department (TD) in regulating and monitoring
public transport services, please provide the following information regarding the casualties
of MTR passengers, cases of passenger-on-track, animals or other foreign objects on track:
(1) breakdown of the casualties of MTR passengers (including the Light Rail) in 2015-16
by railway equipment involved, seriousness of the injuries, and whether they were
reportable accidents to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD);
(i) escalator / travelator
(ii) train door
(iii) platform gap
(iv) platform screen door / automatic platform gate
(v) lift
(vi) track
(vii) miscellaneous
(2) breakdown of the passenger-on-track cases by MTR station and seriousness of the
injuries in 2015-16; and
(3) breakdown of the number of railway service disruption caused by intrusion of foreign
objects or animals into track area, the kind of foreign objects or animals, duration of
service disruption, time to resume service, and the follow-up actions taken by the
MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) in 2015-16 .
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 41)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 0
Reply:
(1) The figures on casualties of MTR passengers (including the Light Rail) from 2015 to
the end of February 2016 reported to the EMSD are as follows:
Railway equipment
involved in the
accident
2015 2016
(up to 29 February 2016)
Number
(No.) of
accidents
No. of
injuries
No. of
fatalities
No. of
accidents
No. of
injuries
No. of
fatalities
Escalator / Travelator 565 621 0 81 91 0
Train door 101 103 0 6 6 0
Platform gap 120 120 0 18 18 0
Platform screen door /
Automatic platform gate
12 12 0 1 1 0
Lift 5 5 0 0 0 0
Miscellaneous 115 115 3 22 22 1
Total 918 976 3 128 138 1
Note: Casualties caused by incidents in relation to passenger-on-track cases are detailed in
part (2).
The above figures exclude cases of suicide / attempted suicide, accidents due to
passengers’ own sickness and trespassing. “Miscellaneous” refers to cases involving
passengers or members of the public tripping or falling as a result of losing balance,
and Light Rail accidents involving pedestrians or vehicles on the road. There is no
individual breakdown on “minor injuries” and “serious injuries”.
(2) Breakdown of figures on passenger-on-track cases by MTR station from 2015 to the
end of February 2016 is as follows (the stations not mentioned have nil case):
Railway line /
Station
2015 2016
(Up to 29 February 2016)
No. of
accidents
No. of
injuries
No. of
fatalities
No. of
accidents
No. of
injuries
No. of
fatalities
Tseung Kwan O Line
LOHAS Park 1 1 0 0 0 0
Total 1 1 0 0 0 0
Kwun Tong Line
Kwun Tong 1 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1 0 0 0 0 0
East Rail Line
Hung Hom 2 0 0 1 0 0
Mong Kok East 3 1 0 1 1 0
Tai Wai 2 0 1 0 0 0
Kowloon Tong 2 0 0 1 0 0
Sha Tin 2 0 0 0 0 0
Fo Tan 3 0 0 1 0 0
University 2 0 1 2 0 1
Tai Po Market 2 1 0 0 0 0
Tai Wo 2 1 0 0 0 0
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 1
Railway line /
Station
2015 2016
(Up to 29 February 2016)
No. of
accidents
No. of
injuries
No. of
fatalities
No. of
accidents
No. of
injuries
No. of
fatalities
Fanling 3 1 0 2 1 0
Sheung Shui 4 1 0 0 0 0
Lok Ma Chau 2 0 0 2 1 0
Lo Wu 6 0 0 1 0 0
Total 35 5 2 11 3 1
Ma On Shan Line
Tai Wai 1 0 0 0 0 0
Ma On Shan 0 0 0 1 1 0
Total 1 0 0 1 1 0
(3) Breakdown of figures on train service disruption of eight minutes or above caused by
intrusion of foreign objects or animals into track area from 2015 to the end of February
2016 is as follows:
Year Cause, Number of Incidents and Range of Delay
Animals Note 1
Foreign Objects Note 2
Total
8-30
minutes
31-60
minutes
61 minutes
or more
8-30
minutes
31-60
minutes
61 minutes
or more
2015 8 0 0 8 1 1 18
2016
(up to 29
February
2016)
1 1 0 1 0 0 3
Note 1: Animals causing train service disruption included dogs, cats and birds.
Note 2: Foreign objects causing train service disruption included fallen trees, sky lanterns, plastic
sheets, metallic balloons, etc.
The MTRCL has implemented a series of improvement measures to minimise track
intrusion by dogs and enhance railway operating and response procedures when
dog-on-track incidents occur in future. They include strengthening boundary fencing
to prevent dogs from intruding into track, providing training and tools for staff to
handle animal-on-track incidents, adopting cautious speed for trains in the affected
track section while arranging staff to conduct a search for the dogs, etc. If a dog is
located on the track, train within the affected section will stop immediately until the
dog has left the track, whether it has been guided away by staff or left on its own
accord.
Objects, for instance metallic balloons that float in the air, which may endanger proper
railway operation are not allowed in MTR stations or on trains according to the Mass
Transit Railway By-laws (Cap 556B). The MTRCL puts up notices, especially
during festival days such as Chinese New Year and Christmas, in stations informing
passengers that metallic balloons are not allowed in railway premises, and the same
piece of information is also set out in the MTR Safety Booklet available in customer
service centres.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)174
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2282)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
A number of policy initiatives have been proposed in the Policy Address in response to the
new demand to improve transport facilities in the community for the ageing population.
Please provide the following information:
(1) Concerning the study on installation of smart devices at signalised pedestrian
crossings, what are the study items and content, estimated duration of the study and the
staff establishment and the expenditure involved?
(2) Concerning disbursing government subsidies to franchised bus operators for provision
of seats at bus stops and termini, how many additional seats are expected to be
provided and how many bus stops and termini will be involved? Are there any plans
to give priority to districts with a larger elderly population?
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 43)
Reply:
(1) The study aims at identifying suitable smart device for fitting into the current traffic
signal system so that the device can be used for detecting smart cards held by the
elderly and persons with disabilities as indication of their demand to cross the road.
An appropriately longer green time for pedestrian signal will then be provided. The
device to be adopted has to be compatible with the various traffic signal control
equipment systems currently used in Hong Kong. The study will investigate the need
for a mock up to confirm technical feasibility. The study will also identify necessary
modifications to the existing traffic signal system, establish the cost-effectiveness and
recommend a plan for territory-wide implementation including the resources required.
The study will be carried out by consultants and is scheduled to commence in the third
quarter of 2016 for completion in two years. The cost of the consultancy study is
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 3
estimated to be $4 million. An Engineer/Assistant Engineer will be deployed to
oversee the consultancy study and the annual staff cost is $0.7 million.
(2) The Government has earmarked $88.27 million to subsidise the franchise bus
operators to provide for seats and display panels for real-time arrival information at
covered bus stops. For budgetary purpose, it is estimated that about two-thirds of the
sum will likely be used on seats.
Insofar as the installation of seats is concerned, about 140 of some 3 000 covered bus
stops (including bus termini, en route stops and bus interchanges) are already equipped
with seats. The franchised bus operators will be provided with subsidy for
installation of seats at all existing covered bus stops without seats. We expect that
seats will be installed at around 1 500 bus stops in the first phase of around three years,
and at the remaining bus stops in another two years’ time.
The franchised bus operators will propose to the Transport Department the locations of
bus stops for seats to be installed. In determining the installation priority, they will
take into account such factors as utilisation of the bus stops, physical environment of
individual locations, any relocation / cancellation plan for the individual bus stops in
near future, and feedback from the relevant districts.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)175
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1798)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Transport Department (TD) will continue to develop schemes to improve
existing cycle tracks and associated facilities in nine new towns in the New Territories. In
this connection, will the Government inform:
(1) the achievements and the expenditure involved in the past three years; and
(2) the specific measures and the estimated expenditure involved for 2016-17.
Asked by: Hon James TIEN Pei-chun (Member Question No.18)
Reply:
(1) Based on the recommendations of a study completed in 2013, the TD implemented a
pilot scheme in Tai Po to test various improvement measures on the cycle track
network and parking facilities and to assess their effectiveness. The pilot scheme was
largely completed1 in early 2015. The improvement measures which were concluded
to be effective are being adopted for improving the existing cycle tracks and associated
facilities as an on-going task. The TD has completed the phase one improvement
works, which involve more conventional measures such as widening cycle tracks and
enhancing signage and road markings along cycle tracks, for 20 accident-prone sites in
Sha Tin and Tai Po in 2015. In addition, the TD also completed a total of about
1 600 safety improvement works for the existing pedestrian crossings on cycle tracks,
and provided about 1 800 additional parking spaces in nine new towns of the New
Territories in the past three years. The total expenditure involved was about $23
million.
________________________
1 The remaining measure under the pilot scheme in Tai Po is the provision of double-deck
bicycle parking racks outside Tai Po Market MTR station. Preparatory work involving
the planning of temporary traffic diversion and trees transplanting is being carried out. It
is expected that the provision of parking racks will be completed in 2016.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 5
(2) In 2016-17, the TD will continue to take forward the remaining improvement works
for 14 accident-prone sites in Sha Tin and Tai Po (phase two improvement works) by
including additional measures recommended upon the evaluation of the pilot scheme
in Tai Po, such as installing elastic plastic bollards to separate cycle lanes of opposite
directions. In addition, as part of a consultancy study on improving the cycle track
network in the nine new towns in the New Territories, the TD has drawn up a list of
about 900 potential improvement sites. The first batch of improvement works for
about 100 sites, including provision of additional bicycle parking spaces, enhancement
of cycling signage and widening of bends at existing cycle tracks, will start in 2016 in
phases, with a target for completion in two years. The TD is working on the
remaining improvement proposals and will implement them in stages. The total
estimated expenditure for cycling-related improvement works in 2016-17 is about $12
million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)176
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1799)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Transport Department (TD) will continue to replace the area traffic control
and closed circuit television systems (Systems) for the Tai Po and North (TP&N) Districts.
In this connection, will the Government advise on the following:
(1) Last year, how many Systems were replaced in the TP&N Districts and what was the
expenditure involved?
(2) How many Systems in TP&N Districts are planned to be replaced in 2016-17, and
what will be the expenditure the manpower involved?
Asked by: Hon James TIEN Pei-chun (Member Question No. 19)
Reply:
(1) Last year, the replacement of the Systems was still in the planning stage, and hence no
Systems were replaced yet.
(2) In 2016-17, delivery and installation of the area traffic control system components for
the replacement systems will commence but no systems will be completely replaced
within the year. The estimated expenditure for the project in 2016-17 is about $7.4
million, and the manpower involved in this project is absorbed by existing resources.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)177
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1294)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Policy Address proposed to examine the use of information technology to allow longer
pedestrian green time at road junctions for the elderly. The Transport Department (TD)
will also commence the study on installation of smart devices at signalised pedestrian
crossings to extend the pedestrian green time for the elderly and persons with disabilities,
and will enhance the HKeTransport service to facilitate the use by the elderly. In this
regard:
(1) when will the study on installation of smart devices at signalised pedestrian crossings
commence, and what are the estimated duration, costs and manpower requirement of
the study? What is the territory-wide ratio of traffic signals and devices covered by
the project? What are the criteria for selection of the locations for installing the said
device?
(2) what are the specific measures, content, expenditure and manpower required for
enhancing the HKeTransport to make it elderly-friendly? Are there any targets for
promoting this service to the elderly? If yes, what are the details?
Asked by: Hon Tony TSE Wai-chuen (Member Question No. 12)
Reply:
(1) The study aims at identifying suitable smart device for fitting into the current traffic
signal system so that the device can be used for detecting smart cards held by the
elderly and persons with disabilities as indication of their demand to cross the road.
An appropriately longer green time for pedestrian signal will then be provided. The
study will be carried out by consultants and is scheduled to commence in the third
quarter of 2016 for completion in two years. The cost of the consultancy study is
estimated to be $4 million. An Engineer/Assistant Engineer will be deployed to
oversee the consultancy study.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 8
Currently, there are 1 879 signalised road junctions in Hong Kong. About 90% of
them have pedestrian crossings (i.e. there are about 5 800 signalised pedestrian
crossings in the territory). The study will categorise all these pedestrian crossings
according to traffic and pedestrian flows, and will establish a set of criteria and priority
for the subsequent installation of the smart devices at these crossings. The criteria to
be formulated will take into account various factors such as the proportion of elderly
using the crossings, and proximity of the crossings to places frequently visited by the
elderly (e.g. elderly homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation organisations, etc.). The
ratio of devices to pedestrian traffic signals can only be determined after the findings
of the study are available.
(2) The proposed enhancements of the “HKeTransport” service aim at facilitating its use
by the elderly. An elderly mode will be introduced to the “HKeTransport” service on
various platforms including website, mobile applications and kiosks to provide an
elderly-friendly layout with larger font size, simplified route search function, and route
search results showing the concessionary fares for the elderly. It will also be
equipped with text-to-speech function to read out the route information and search
results to the elderly. The estimated expenditure for the proposed enhancements of
the “HKeTransport” service is about $3.8 million. The TD will arrange publicity
through various channels to encourage the elderly to use the service, such as liaising
with elderly service organisations to promote the use and gauge feedbacks, and will
monitor its usage after its launch for any subsequent actions, if necessary.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 1 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)178
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1295)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Government will subsidise the franchised bus operators for installation of seats and
display panels for provision of real-time bus arrival information at bus stops and termini.
What are the numbers of bus stops, seats and display panels involved? What is the
estimated expenditure? Will the subsidies cover the future maintenance cost of those seats
and display panels? If yes, what is the expenditure involved? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Hon Tony TSE Wai-chuen (Member Question No. 13)
Reply:
The Government has earmarked $88.27 million to subsidise the franchise bus operators to
provide for seats and display panels for real-time arrival information at covered bus stops.
Of some 3 000 covered bus stops, about 140 are already equipped with seats. The
franchised bus operators will be provided with subsidy for installation of seats at all existing
covered bus stops without seats. We expect that seats will be installed at around 1 500 bus
stops in the first phase of around three years, and at the remaining bus stops in another two
years’ time.
The Government will also provide subsidy to the franchised bus operators for their
installation of real-time arrival information display panels at covered bus stops with
electrical installations. Currently, there are some 1 300 covered bus stops with electrical
installations. The subsidy for the display panels will be offered on a matching basis. For
every display panel which a franchised bus operator has committed to install, the
Government will provide subsidy for the installation of another display panel. Funding has
been earmarked for subsidising the installation of around 800 display panels. This means
as many as around 1 600 display panels would be installed territory-wide (half of these
funded by the Government under the subsidy scheme and the other half funded by the
franchised bus operators). This should cover all covered bus stops with electrical
installations. We expect that the installation of 550 display panels (half funded by the
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 0
Government and half funded by the franchised bus operators) can be completed within the
first phase of around three years. Thereafter, the franchised bus operators will make
annual proposals to the Government as to the number and locations of remaining bus stops
to be provided with display panels. We expect that the installation of the remaining
display panels can be completed in another three years’ time.
The subsidy by the Government for the installation of seats and display panels will cover
the capital cost (and associated installation cost). Franchised bus operators will be
reimbursed for the cost incurred after satisfactory completion of the installation works. As
the objective of the subsidy scheme is to expedite the provision of the ancillary facilities by
bus operators through provision of the upfront cost for hardware and installation, and that
usually it is for the franchised bus operators to make available ancillary facilities at their
own cost, the expenditure arising from the daily maintenance / repair and operation of these
facilities (including electricity expenses and the cost of data transmission (if applicable))
will be absorbed by the franchised bus operators.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)179
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0316)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the provision of red light camera (RLC) system in the Area Traffic Control
System, please provide the following information:
(a) Please list out the numbers, locations and cost of newly installed RLC in each of the
past three years.
(b) What is the proportion of junctions with the RLC installed against the total number of
signalised junctions and the reasons for less than 200 junctions provided with the
RLC?
(c) What are the criteria for installing the RLC system?
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 26)
Reply:
(a) The numbers, locations and cost of newly installed RLC in the past three years are
listed below:
Year Number of newly
installed RLC
Location Cost
($ million) Hong Kong
Island Kowloon
New
Territories
2013 0 0 0 0 0
2014 0 0 0 0 0
2015 34 5 19 10 32.3
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 2
(b) We have been expanding the RLC system in four phases, and the whole process from
procurement to completion of the installation work typically takes about three years
for each phase. The 34 RLCs installed in 2015 are part of the phase four expansion
programme, which aims at installing 40 RLCs at 40 new locations throughout the
territory. The installation work of all 40 RLCs in phase four has been completed.
The total number of signalised junctions installed with the RLC now stands at 195.
The selection of signalised junctions for RLC installation is based on a set of criteria
(see (c) below). We will examine the need for further expansion of the RLC system
regularly. As and when necessary, we will apply for funding from the Finance
Committee of the Legislative Council for further expansion of the system.
(c) The criteria for selecting sites for installation of the RLC are as follows:
(i) accident records, with particular attention to accidents involving drivers
disobeying traffic signals;
(ii) prevalence of red light jumping activities observed by the Hong Kong Police
Force;
(iii) the need for an even distribution of the RLC locations to provide a
territory-wide deterrent effect; and
(iv) preliminary assessment of the suitability of the location for installing the
RLC.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)180
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 0317)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the provision of speed enforcement camera (SEC) system in the Area Traffic
Control System, please provide the following information:
(1) For the SEC system, please list out the total number of SEC housings and cameras
installed in each of the past three years. Why is it not possible to have all camera
housings to be fitted with camera unit?
(2) What are the procurement cost and the related annual maintenance cost of each SEC
system?
(3) What are the criteria for installation of additional road-side SEC housing and camera?
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 27)
Reply:
(1) The total numbers of the SEC and camera housings installed in each of the past three
years are listed below:
Year Total number of
SEC installed
Total number of
SEC housings installed
2013 0 5
2014 0 0
2015 0 0
Currently, 120 SEC housings are installed throughout Hong Kong to combat speeding
activities. 20 SECs are placed inside 120 camera housings on a rotational basis.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 4
Such an operation arrangement can achieve cost effectiveness in deterring speeding
activities. Also, there are situations where more than one SEC housings are installed
over a relatively short section of road. The rotational arrangement can avoid multiple
prosecutions for a single speeding offence of the driver within a short section of the
road.
(2) The installation of the existing SEC system comprising 120 SEC housings and 20
SECs was completed in 2013 at a cost of $32.19 million. The system is currently
being operated and maintained by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), and the
annual expenditure for maintaining the system is $5.36 million in 2015-16.
(3) The following locations are given higher priority in the installation of the SEC:
(a) locations with relatively higher number of accidents on record, with particular
emphasis on accidents involving speeding;
(b) locations where there is a prevalence of speeding activities observed by the
HKPF;.
(c) strategic or trunk roads with higher traffic speed and traffic flow; and
(d) long steep downhill road sections.
In addition, the need for an even distribution of the SEC housing locations to provide
an area-wide effect and the geological and environmental factors surrounding the sites
have been taken into account.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)181
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2449)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the work to safeguard road safety, please provide the following information:
(1) the content and progress of the area studies for enhancing road safety, the manpower
and expenditure involved in each of the past three years;
(2) the content, effectiveness and progress of the road safety publicity plans, the
manpower and expenditure involved in each of the past three years; and
(3) the locations and specific content of road safety enhancement measures, the manpower
and expenditure involved in each of the past three years.
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 28)
Reply:
(1) In the past three years, we have completed the area studies at the following locations:
2013
(a) Area along Lai Chi Kok Road (from Nathan Road to Kwai Chung Road)
(b) Area along Hong Ning Road (from Hip Wo Street to Kwun Tong Road)
2014
(a) Area along Hip Wo Street (from Mut Wah Street to Sau Mau Ping Road)
(b) Area along Shanghai Street (from Bute Street to Jordan Road)
2015
(a) Area along Kau Yuk Road (from Yuen Long Tai Yuk Road to Tai Tong Road)
(b) Area along Tai Chung Kiu Road (from Lion Rock Tunnel Road to Siu Lek Yuen
Road)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 6
These areas were selected because they exhibited accident rates higher than the
territory averages. Emphasis was placed on the identification of contributory factors
that were common to a number of traffic accidents in the areas, and they might include
jay walking, pedestrian negligence, disobedience of traffic light signals, lane changing
collision, nose to tail collision, sightline obstruction, slippery road surface and
inadequate lighting, etc. Comprehensive safety enhancement measures, as detailed
below, were developed targeting to remove these factors:
(a) Area along Lai Chi Kok Road (from Nathan Road to Kwai Chung Road)
Enhancement measures covered one road section and 18 junctions, and included
signalisation of cautionary crossings, conversion of part time no stopping zone
(NSZ) to full time NSZ, reinstatement of faded road markings, review of skid
resistance and street light intensity, modification of junction layout, requesting
bus companies to alert their drivers to take heed of passengers, repair of
dilapidated pavement, erection / extension of railings, provision of traffic signs,
and alteration of road markings.
(b) Area along Hong Ning Road (from Hip Wo Street to Kwun Tong Road)
Enhancement measures covered 11 junctions and included widening of crossing
facilities, modification of traffic light signals, introduction of overhead traffic
light signals, improvement of junction layout, erection/extension of railings, provision of traffic signs, and alteration / extension of road markings.
(c) Area along Hip Wo Street (from Mut Wah Street to Sau Mau Ping Road)
Enhancement measures covered three road sections and 10 junctions, and
included modification of traffic light signals, construction of central dividers,
requesting bus companies to alert bus drivers to take heed of passengers,
erection / extension of railings, provision of traffic signs, and alteration of road
markings.
(d) Area along Shanghai Street (from Bute Street to Jordan Road)
Enhancement measures covered 13 junctions and included modification of traffic
light signals, imposition of the NSZ, repair of dilapidated pavement, erection /
extension of railings, provision / relocation of traffic signs, and alteration of road
markings.
(e) Area along Kau Yuk Road (from Yuen Long Tai Yuk Road to Tai Tong Road)
Enhancement measures covered one road section and four junctions, and
included modification of junction layout, modification of traffic light signals,
repair of dilapidated pavement and damaged traffic signs, erection / extension of
railings, and alteration of road markings.
(f) Area along Tai Chung Kiu Road (from Lion Rock Tunnel Road to Siu Lek Yuen
Road)
Enhancement measures covered nine road junctions and included signalisation of
cautionary crossings, modification of traffic light signals, modification of
junction layout, repair of dilapidated pavement, requesting bus companies to alert
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 7
their drivers to take heed of passengers, erection / extension of railings,
introduction / relocation of traffic signs, and alteration of road markings.
These area studies were carried out by staff of the Transport Department (TD) as part
of the TD’s normal duties. The expenditure for implementing enhancement measures
in these areas and at the locations mentioned in part (3) below cannot be isolated and
separately listed out. The expenditure for implementing measures at all these
locations was about $2.2 million per year.
(2) The Road Safety Council (RSC) has been collaborating with the Hong Kong Police
Force and the TD, among others, in undertaking publicity and educational activities to
enhance the safety awareness of road users. Road safety messages targeting
pedestrians, drivers and cyclists are disseminated through different channels such as
television, radio, bus body advertisements and other printed materials. Publicity
activities focusing on anti-drink driving, anti-drug driving, cycling safety, elderly
pedestrian safety and driving attentively are organised. The expenditures by the RSC
is in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 are $5.2 million, $4.5 million and $3.7 million
respectively.
In addition, the TD has been conducting annual Safe Driving and Health Campaign
(the Campaign) for commercial vehicle drivers in the past years. A wide range of
activities targeting commercial vehicle drivers are held, including dissemination of
safe driving and health messages through radio broadcasts and other publicity
channels, provision of free health checks, etc. About 2 000 commercial vehicle
drivers each year attended the free health checks. The expenditures of the Campaign
in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 (estimated) are $3 million, $3 million and $2.5
million respectively.
The effectiveness of road safety publicity is monitored and reviewed from time to
time. The publicity work involved is undertaken by the RSC and the existing
manpower of the TD and other departments concerned.
(3) Locations where road safety enhancement measures had been developed in the past
three years under the accident blacksite investigation programme are listed at Annex.
The enhancement measures included:
(a) addition or modification of traffic light signals;
(b) improvement of road environment such as provision of anti-skid material,
construction of central dividers, and addition of roadside barriers;
(c) improvement of facilities for pedestrians including addition of crossing facilities,
and erection of railings; and
(d) improvement of traffic aids including provision of traffic signs, alteration of road
markings, and installation of traffic bollards.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 8
The road safety enhancement measures at these locations were developed by the TD
staff as part of their normal duties. The expenditure involved, as mentioned in part
(1), cannot be isolated and separately listed out. The expenditure for implementing
measures at all these locations is about $2.2 million per year.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 2 9
Annex
Locations of road safety enhancement measures
2013
1 Argyle Street / Lomond Road
2 Argyle Street / Shanghai Street
3 Argyle Street / Waterloo Road / Princess Margaret Road
4 Bowring Street / Parkes Street
5 Bute Street / Sai Yee Street
6 Canton Road / Haiphong Road
7 Castle Peak Road (Lam Tei) / Lam Tei Main Street
8 Castle Peak Road (Tsuen Wan) / Tai Chung Road
9 Castle Peak Road (Tsuen Wan) / Tai Ho Road
10 Castle Peak Road / Fuk Wing Street
11 Castle Peak Road-Yuen Long near Yuen Long Hong Lok Road
12 Chatham Road North / Ping Chi Street
13 Che Kung Mui Road / Hung Mui Kuk Road / Mei Tin Road
14 Cheung Sha Wan Road / Cheung Lai Street
15 Cheung Sha Wan Road / Hing Wah Street
16 Cheung Sha Wan Road / Nam Cheong Street
17 Cheung Sha Wan Road / Tonkin Street
18 Cheung Sha Wan Road / Yen Chow Street
19 Chi Kiang Street / Ma Tau Wai Road
20 Choi Hung Road / Tseuk Luk Street / Tai Shing Street
21 Chuen Lung Street / Ho Pui Street
22 Chuen Lung Street / San Tsuen Street
23 Clear Water Bay Road near Ngau Chi Wan Market
24 Connaught Road Central / Hillier Street / Chung Kong Road
25 Des Voeux Road West / Centre Street
26 Fung Tak Road / Po Kong Village Road
27 Harbour Road / Fleming Road
28 Hennessy Road / Tonnochy Road
29 Hennessy Road near Fleming Road
30 Hennessy Road near Tin Lok Lane
31 Hing Fat Street outside Victoria Park
32 Hing Ning Road near Metroplaza
33 Hip Wo Street / Yuet Wah Street
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 3 0
34 Hoi Fai Road / Cherry Street Roundabout
35 Hong Ning Road / Ming Chi Street
36 Hung Hom Road / Tak Man Street / Tak On Street
37 Island Eastern Corridor near Sun Sing Street
38 Johnston Road / Spring Garden Lane
39 Jordan Road / Shanghai Street
40 King’s Road / Tong Shui Road
41 King’s Road / Shu Kuk Street
42 King’s Road near Fortress Hill Road
43 King’s Road near Greig Road & Shipyard Lane
44 King’s Road near Healthy Street East
45 King’s Road near North Point Government Primary School
46 Lai Chi Kok Road / Nathan Road
47 Lam Tei Interchange near Hanlin
48 Lei Yue Mun Road / Cha Kwo Ling Road
49 Lung Cheung Road near Tin Ma Court
50 Ma Tau Chung Road / Sung Wong Toi Road / Fu Ning Street
51 Ma Tau Kok Road / Ma Tau Chung Road
52 Ma Tau Wai Road / Tin Kwong Road / Ma Hang Chung Road
53 Morrison Hill Road / Sports Road
54 Nathan Road / Cheung Sha Wan Road / Boundary Street
55 Nathan Road / Nullah Road
56 Nathan Road / Shantung Street
57 Pei Ho Street / Ki Lung Street
58 Pei Ho Street / Yu Chau Street
59 Po Kong Village Road / Fung Tak Road
60 Po Ning Road near Hang Hau Bus Terminus
61 Pok Fu Lam Road / Sassoon Road
62 Pok Oi Interchange / Yuen Long Highway
63 Prince Edward Road West / Sai Yee Street
64 Prince Edward Road West / Waterloo Road
65 Queen’s Road East / Wong Nai Chung Road / Morrison Hill Road
66 Queen’s Road West / Eastern Street
67 Queensway near Tamar Street
68 Sai Lau Kok Road near Luk Yeung Galleria
69 Sau Fu Street near Tung Lok Street
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 3 1
70 Shau Kei Wan Road / Nam Hong Street
71 Sheung Fung Street / Fei Fung Street / Wan Fung Street
72 Tai Chung Kiu Road / Siu Lek Yuen Road
73 Tam Kon Shan Interchange / Tam Kon Shan Road
74 Tate’s Cairn Highway near Toll Plaza
75 Ting Kok Road / Tai Po Tai Wo Road
76 Tseung Kwan O Road near Tsui Ping South Estate
77 Tsing King Road near Tsing Yi Sports Ground
78 Tsuen Kam Interchange / Texaco Road North
79 Tsuen Tsing Interchange / Tsuen Wan Road
80 Tuen Mun Road near Correctional Services Department Staff Quarters
81 Tuen Mun Road near Harrow International School (Hong Kong)
55 Lung Cheung Road near Wong Tai Sin Shopping Centre
56 Ma Hang Chung Road / Pau Chung Street
57 Ma Tau Wai Road / Pak Kung Street
58 Nathan Road / Argyle Street
59 Nathan Road / Dundas Street
60 Nathan Road / Gascoigne Road / Kansu Street
61 Nathan Road / Granville Road
62 Nathan Road / Humphreys Avenue / Haiphong Road
63 Nathan Road / Man Ming Lane
64 Nathan Road / Mong Kok Road
65 Nathan Road / Prince Edward Road West
66 Nathan Road / Public Square Street
67 Nathan Road / Waterloo Road
68 Nga Tsin Wai Road / Fuk Lo Tsuen Road
69 Ngau Tau Kok Road near Elegance Road
70 Ngau Tau Kok Road outside Ngau Tau Kok Market
71 Pik Wan Road near Tak Lok House
72 Po Tung Road / Man Nin Street
73 Prince Edward Road East near King Tai Street
74 Prince Edward Road West / Pentland Street
75 Sai Sha Road near Che Ha
76 Sha Tin Centre Street near Sha Tin Plaza
77 Sha Tsui Road / Chuen Lung Street
78 Shanghai Street / Dundas Street
79 Siu Sai Wan Road Near Hiu Tsui Street
80 Tai Au Mun Road near Clear Water Bay First Beach
81 Tai Po Road (Piper's Hill) near Caldecott Road
82 Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Heights) outside carpark
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 3 4
83 Tai Po Road (Sha Tin) near Wo Che Estate
84 Tai Po Road / Nam Cheong Street
85 Tai Po Road / Shek Kip Mei St
86 Tai Po Road near Lei Cheng Uk Estate
87 Tai Tong Road near Kau Yuk Road
88 Tin Shui Road near Chestwood Court
89 Tsing Kwai Highway near Lai King Estate
90 Tsuen Wan Road near Profit Industrial Building
91 Tuen Mun Road near Chi Lok Fa Yuen
92 Wang Chiu Road / Sheung Yee Road
2015
1 Argyle Street / Tin Kwong Road
2 Argyle Street / Tong Mi Road / Cherry Street
3 Argyle Street / Yim Po Fong Street / Luen Wan Street
4 Bride’s Pool Road near Chung Mei
5 Bride’s Pool Road near Tai Mei Tuk Raw Pumping Station
6 Castle Peak Road (Yuen Long) near Kuk Ting Street
7 Causeway Road / Moreton Terrace
8 Chatham Road South / Austin Road / Cheong Wan Road
9 Chatham Road South / Gascoigne Road
10 Chatham Road South / Granville Road
11 Che Kung Mui Road / Hung Mui Kuk Road / Mei Tin Road
12 Cherry Street / Hoi Wang Road
13 Cheung Sha Wan Road / Butterfly Valley Road
14 Cheung Sha Wan Road / Mei Lai Road
15 Cheung Sha Wan Road / Yen Chow Street
16 Cheung Sha Wan Road near Cheung Sha Wan Path
17 Ching Cheung Road near Butterfly Valley Road
18 Ching Cheung Road near Caritas Medical Centre
19 Ching Cheung Road near Lai Chi Kok Park Swimming Pool
20 Ching Cheung Road near Wing Tak Road access to Caritas Medical Centre
21 Choi Hung Road / Choi Yee Lane
22 Clear Water Bay Road near Ngau Chi Wan Market
23 Connaught Road West / Eastern Street / Eastern Street North
24 Garden Road near Peak Tram Lower Terminus
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 3 5
25 Gascoigne Road / Jordan Road
26 Hai Tan Street / Pei Ho Street
27 Hennessy Road near Fleming Road
28 Hing Ning Road near Metroplaza
29 Hong Chong Road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
30 Hong Ning Road / Ming Chi Street
31 Island Eastern Corridor near Taikoo Shing Kwun Hoi Terrace
32 Junction Road / Nga Tsin Wai Road
33 Kam Sheung Road / Tung Wui Road
34 King’s Road / Cheung Hong Street / Tin Chong Street
35 King’s Road near Java Road
36 King’s Road near Mount Parker Road
37 King’s Road near North View Street
38 Kwai Chung Road near Lai King MTR Station
39 Kwai Chung Road near Mei Foo Sun Chuen
40 Kwun Tong Road / Hong Ning Road
41 Kwun Tong Road / Lai Yip Street / Elegance Road
42 Kwun Tong Road near Kai Tak Mansion
43 Lai Chi Kok Road / Pei Ho Street
44 Lai Chi Kok Road / Tonkin Street
45 Lai Chi Kok Road / Yen Chow Street
46 Lam Tei Interchange near Hanlin
47 Lin Cheung Road / Cherry Street
48 Lion Road Tunnel Road near Toll Plaza
49 Lion Rock Tunnel Road near Hung Mui Kuk Road
50 Lung Cheung Road near Fung Mo Street
51 Lung Cheung Road near Wong Tai Sin MTR Station
52 Ma Tau Chung Road / Sung Wong Toi Road / Fu Ning Street
53 Ma Tau Wai Road / Pak Kung Street
54 Mong Kok Road / Sai Yeung Choi Street South
55 Nathan Road / Austin Road
56 Nathan Road / Gascoigne Road / Kansu Street
57 Nathan Road / Man Ming Lane
58 Nathan Road / Wing Sing Lane
59 Ngau Tau Kok Road / Horse Shoe Lane
60 Ngau Tau Kok Road near Elegance Road
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 3 6
61 Pok Fu Lam Road near Lady Ho Tung Hall
62 Pok Fu Lam Road near Ebenezer School
63 Route Twisk (Chainage 7.8-8.0)
64 Sai Lau Kok Road outside Luk Yeung Galleria, Tsuen Wan
65 Sha Tsui Road / Chuen Lung Street
66 Sha Tsui Road / Ham Tin street
67 Sha Tsui Road / Kwan Mun Hau street / Luen Yan Street
68 Shek Mun Interchange / Tai Chung Kiu Road
69 Stanley Street, Central
70 Sui Wo Road near Sui Wo Court
71 Tai Chung Kiu Road / Sha Kok Street
72 Tai Chung Road Interchange / Tai Chung Road
73 Tai Po Road (Sha Tin Heights) / Keng Hau Road
74 Tai Po Road (Sha Tin) near Wo Che Estate
75 Tai Po Road / Nam Cheong Street
76 Tai Po Road near Luk Hop Village
77 Tam Kon Shan Interchange / Tam Kon Shan Road
78 Tin Shui Road near Chestwood Court
79 To Kwa Wan Road / Lok Shan Road
80 Tseung Kwan O Road / Lei Yue Mun Road / Wai Fat Road
81 Tseung Kwun O Tunnel Road near Po Hong Road
82 Tsing Kwai Highway near Lai King Estate
83 Tsing Luk Street near Tsing Yi Municipal Services Building
84 Tsuen Kam Interchange / Wai Tsuen Road / Texaco Road North
85 Tsuen Tsing Interchange / Tsuen Wan Road
86 Tung Lok Street / Fook Tak Street
87 Waterloo Road / Ferry Street / Lai Cheung Road / Ngo Cheung Road
88 Waterloo Road / Hereford Road
89 Waterloo Road / Pui Ching Road / Soares Avenue
90 Waterloo Road near Kwong Wah Hospital
91 Wong Nai Chung Road near Broadwood Road
92 Wu Chui Road / Tip King Road
93 Wu Chui Road near Melody Garden
94 Yen Chow Street / Tung Chau Street
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 3 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)182
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3091)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The financial provision for 2016-17 is $39.7 million higher than the revised estimate for
2015-16, which is partly due to an increase of 50 posts. Please provide the reasons for the
creation of the posts, their duties and expenditure involved.
Asked by: Hon WONG Ting-kwong (Member Question No. 52)
Reply:
The creation of the posts is required mainly to cope with work relating to the cyclical
upsurge in the renewal of driving licences, the enhanced monitoring of the Designated Car
Testing Centres (DCTCs), and the takeover of prosecution work at the Eastern Harbour
Crossing (EHC) area upon the return of the EHC to the Government. The major duties
include processing various licensing applications, administering and supervising the
operation of the DCTCs, and instituting enforcement against traffic offences in the EHC.
The annual staff cost, in terms of notional annual mid-point salary, is $15.5 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 3 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)183
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2621)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: Will the Government advise this Committee the respective numbers of buses owned by each
franchised bus company by emission standards and when these buses will retire? Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 61) Reply: Franchised bus companies are committed to providing their services with buses under the
age of 18, and to replacing their buses accordingly. All franchised buses of pre-Euro and
Euro I emissions standards have been retired by May 2012 and May 2015 respectively.
Please refer to the table below for the details of buses with emissions standards of Euro II
and above in the fleets of the franchised bus companies as at 31 December 2015:
Franchised
bus
company
Euro II Euro III Euro IV Euro V Euro VI* Electric Buses*
α The car journey time survey (CJTS) was conducted in the same survey period every year to maintain
consistency. In 2014, the survey could not be conducted in the usual period as the traffic conditions
during that period was rendered abnormal by the “Occupy Movement”. The survey was conducted
after the “Occupy Movement” had ended, and the average vehicular speed figure of 2014 is a
calibrated figure based on the result of the survey and historical speed survey data.
# The CJTS does not cover the evening peak hours of these roads.
+ The CJTS only covered the morning peak hours for these roads before 2014.
* The CJTS did not cover Connaught Road West (west bound) before 2014. §
The CJTS only covered Pedder Street before 2014.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)185
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2623)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please inform this Committee of the average vehicular speeds at the morning and evening
peak hours in 2013, 2014 and 2015 in the following tunnels:
(1) Cross-Harbour Tunnel
(2) Eastern Harbour Crossing
(3) Western Harbour Crossing
(4) Lion Rock Tunnel
(5) Tate’s Cairn Tunnel
(6) Route 8 (section between Cheung Sha Wan and Sha Tin)
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 63)
Reply:
The average vehicular speeds during the morning peak hours (i.e. 8:00 am – 9:30 am) and
evening peak hours (i.e. 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm) of the following locations, measured between
the entrance of tunnel portals and toll booths, from 2013 to 2015 are tabulated below:
Location Average speed
at the morning and evening peak hours
[kilometres(km) / hour(hr)]
2013 2014α 2015
AM PM AM PM AM PM
1 Cross-Harbour Tunnel 32 29 34 32 31 37
2 Eastern Harbour Crossing 29 48 28 43 33 46
3 Western Harbour Crossing 57 58 55 51 56 56
4 Lion Rock Tunnel 36 44 32 37 35 39
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 2
Location Average speed
at the morning and evening peak hours
[kilometres(km) / hour(hr)]
2013 2014α 2015
AM PM AM PM AM PM
5 Tate’s Cairn Tunnel 43 58 32 54 34 49
6 Route 8 (section between Cheung
Sha Wan and Sha Tin)*
58 - 54 - 55 -
Figures are rounded to the nearest km/hr.
α The car journey time survey (CJTS) was conducted in the same survey period every year to
maintain consistency. In 2014, the survey could not be conducted in the usual period as the
traffic conditions during that period was rendered abnormal by the “Occupy Movement”.
The survey was conducted after the “Occupy Movement” had ended, and the average
vehicular speed figure of 2014 is a calibrated figure based on the result of the survey and
historical speed survey data. * Speeds shown are for the tunnel sections only. The CJTS for the Route 8 only covers the
morning peak hours.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)186
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2961)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (700) General non-recurrent
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In the Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the conduct of a study on installation
of smart devices at signalised pedestrian crossings for the elderly. Please inform this
Committee of:
(1) the number of pedestrian crossings in the territory installed with traffic signals;
(2) the number of pedestrian crossings involved in the scheme;
(3) the estimated average increase in the pedestrian crossing time; and
(4) how long the vehicular green time will be shortened on average.
Asked by: Hon Alvin YEUNG Ngok-kiu (Member Question No. 16)
Reply:
The study aims at identifying suitable smart device for fitting into the current traffic signal
system so that the device can be used for detecting smart cards held by the elderly and
persons with disabilities as indication of their demand to cross the road. An appropriately
longer green time for pedestrian signal will then be provided.
Currently, there are 1 879 signalised road junctions in Hong Kong. About 90% of them
have pedestrian crossings (i.e. there are about 5 800 signalised pedestrian crossings in the
territory). The study will categorise all these pedestrian crossings according to traffic and
pedestrian flows, and will establish a set of criteria and priority for the subsequent
installation of the smart devices at these crossings. The study is scheduled to commence in
the third quarter of 2016 for completion in two years. The number of crossings to be
installed with smart devices, the pedestrian green time to be lengthened and vehicular green
time to be shortened on average can only be determined after the findings of the study are
available.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)187
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1436)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The shortfall in the supply of parking spaces to meet demand has become more acute in
recent years. Motorists have to circulate on roads looking for parking spaces or park their
vehicles at kerbside, thus causing traffic congestion. The Transport Department (TD) will
assist the Transport and Housing Bureau in preparing for and commencing a review on
parking policy and standards in 2016-17. Will the Government inform this Committee on
the details, including the content, programme and the estimated expenditure of the review?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 13)
Reply:
The TD has been monitoring the supply of, and demand for, parking spaces in Hong Kong.
In view of the community’s concern over parking provision, the Government will
commence in 2016-17 a review on parking policy and standards, with priority accorded to
considering and meeting the parking need of commercial vehicles. The details of the
review including the scope, programme and expenditure, etc. are being worked out.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)188
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1437)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: Please inform this Committee of the average waiting time for vehicle examinations of
private cars and light goods vehicles at designated car testing centres (DCTCs) in the past
two financial years (2014-15 and 2015-16). Last year, the Transport Department (TD)
indicated that the TD had introduced a number of improvement measures to alleviate the
queuing situation of the car testing centres. How effective are the measures? In 2016-17,
what measures will the TD take to further improve the queuing situation? What are the
details and resources involved? Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 14) Reply: In 2014-15 and 2015-16, the average waiting time for booking of vehicle examination was
about eight to ten weeks and three to four weeks respectively, depending on the demand
situation of individual DCTCs. By end February 2016, the average waiting time has
reduced to about one week. The marked reduction in waiting time for booking of vehicle examination is attributable to
the implementation of a number of improvement measures introduced last year by the TD.
Starting from June 2015, the TD has upgraded the computer appointment system to enable
the system to eliminate double, repeated or invalid bookings, thereby shortening the waiting
time. The TD has also provided a new online checking service on the appointment status
of different DCTCs via the GovHK website, such that those who need vehicle examination
services can check the booking status of the DCTCs, and make booking by phone with the
preferred DCTC in a timely manner. In 2016-17, the TD will further enhance the system
to enable the public to make direct booking with the DCTCs online. The system
enhancement is scheduled for completion in mid-2017 at a cost of $3 million. Also, in order to increase the capacity of vehicle examination which will further reduce the
waiting time for booking of vehicle examination, the TD invited applications for
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 6
designation as a DCTC in May 2015. Hitherto, five new DCTCs have been designated and
more are expected to commence operation progressively in 2016.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)189
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1438)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In the last three years (2013, 2014 and 2015), how many new driving licences have been
issued by the Transport Department (TD) for the following types of commercial vehicles
and what are the resources involved?
1. Public Light Bus
2. Taxi
3. Public Bus
4. Medium Goods Vehicle
5. Heavy Goods Vehicle
6. Articulated Vehicle
7. Special Purpose Vehicle
In view of the problem of shortage of commercial vehicles drivers, will the TD consider
relaxing the requirement for a commercial vehicle driver to hold a private car licence for
three years? If yes, what are the details? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 15)
Reply:
The numbers of full driving licence in respect of the following types of commercial vehicles
issued / endorsed in the past three years are as follows:
Vehicle Class Year
2013 2014 2015
Public Light Bus 3 584 3 049 2 132
Taxi 2 536 2 555 3 229
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 8
Vehicle Class Year
2013 2014 2015
Public Bus 3 456 2 936 2 906
Medium Goods Vehicle 3 402 3 198 2 938
Heavy Goods Vehicle 1 897 1 535 1 466
Articulated Vehicle 807 736 595
Special Purpose Vehicle 741 854 795
Issuance of full driving licences for commercial vehicles is undertaken by the staff of the
four licensing offices of the TD as part of their normal duties. There is no separate
breakdown of the resources involved.
In accordance with regulation 8(1A) of the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations
(Cap 374B), applicant for a driving licence to drive a commercial vehicle must, amongst
other things, be a holder of a valid full driving licence to drive a private car or light goods
vehicle for at least three years immediately preceding his / her application; or he / she must
be a holder of a valid full driving licence issued after the completion of probationary driving
period to drive a private car or light goods vehicle for at least two years immediately
preceding his / her application. In addition, an applicant for a driving licence to drive an
articulated vehicle must be a holder of a valid full driving licence to drive a medium goods
vehicle or heavy goods vehicle.
The Government has received requests from various transport trades, including taxi, public
light bus, non-franchised bus and goods vehicle, to relax the requirement of holding a
private car driving licence for three years before applying for a commercial vehicle driving
licence for relieving the driver shortage problem. A review is being conducted with regard
to road safety and other relevant considerations. The TD’s working target is to complete
the review in 2016.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 4 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)190
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1439)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Transport Department (TD) will continue to pursue legislative amendments
on motor vehicle construction regulations. Please provide details of the work and the
resources involved.
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 16)
Reply:
The TD has been reviewing and updating legislation on motor vehicle construction on an
on-going basis having regard to the development of automotive technologies. In 2016-17,
the TD will continue the update of regulations on vehicle lighting and vehicle door systems,
and start a review on the legislation relating to brakes and occupant protection. The work
is absorbed by the TD’s existing staff and does not require additional manpower resources.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)191
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1440)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding green minibus (GMB) service, please advise the Committee of the following:
(1) How many cancellation applications for GMB routes were received by the Transport
Department (TD) in 2015? Please provide the route details and the reasons on which
the cancellation applications were made;
(2) Eight GMB routes were originally planned to be introduced in 2015, but only five
GMB routes were finally introduced. Please provide the route details of the five
GMB routes, and the details of and reasons for not introducing the remaining three
GMB routes; and
(3) Please provide details of the five GMB routes planned for introduction in 2016.
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 17)
Reply:
(1) In 2015, the TD received one application for cancellation of Kowloon GMB Route 65
operating between Tsz Wan Shan (South) and Chuk Yuen, due to poor financial
performance arising from low passenger demand. The TD is now reviewing the
operating conditions of this route together with the operator concerned.
(2) Details of the five GMB routes introduced in 2015 are as follows:
(a) Yau Tong (Ko Yee Estate) – Kowloon Bay (Kai Yan Street) (Circular);
(b) Kai Ching Estate (Kai Tak) – Wong Tai Sin Station (Circular);
(c) The Beaumount (Tseung Kwan O) – Hang Hau (Circular);
(d) Shui Chuen O (Sha Tin) – Shek Mun Station; and
(e) Shui Chuen O (Sha Tin) – Hin Keng (Che Kung Miu Road).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 1
Three other GMB routes were originally planned to be introduced in 2015. Their
introduction was subsequently deferred to 2016 to tie in with the population intake of
new housing developments. Details of these routes are as follows:
(a) Hung Shui Kiu (Hung Yuen Road) – Tin Shui Wai Station (Circular);
(b) Anderson Road Development Area – Ngau Tau Kok (Jordan Valley North Road)
(Circular); and
(c) Anderson Road Development Area – Kowloon Bay (Sheung Yee Road)
(Circular).
(3) In addition to the above-mentioned three routes which introduction was deferred from
2015, the following two new routes are planned to be introduced in 2016:
(a) Park Vista (Yuen Long) – Kam Sheung Road Station; and
(b) Park Vista (Yuen Long) – Yuen Long (Kik Yeung Road).
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)192
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1441)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Transport Department will commence the planning for installation of field
detection facilities in strategic routes to strengthen real-time traffic information collection
and incident detection capability. Please inform this Committee of the details of related
work, including the proposed locations of the installation, the time schedule and the budget
involved.
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 18)
Reply:
In some sections of the strategic routes, detectors have been installed or will be installed as
part of the Traffic Control and Surveillance Systems1 (TCSS) and the Speed Map Panels
(SMP) System2. Beside the detectors mentioned above, we plan to install traffic detectors
in the following sections of roads which have relatively higher traffic volumes but are not
covered by the two systems:
(i) Route 1: from Aberdeen Praya Road to Sha Tin Road (excluding the Aberdeen
Tunnel, the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, the Lion Rock Tunnel, and south bound of
Sha Tin Road and Lion Rock Tunnel Road)
(ii) Route 2: from the Eastern Harbour Tunnel (Kowloon Exit) to the Tate’s Cairn
Highway (excluding the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel and south bound of the Tate’s Cairn
Highway) ________________________ 1 The TCSS have been installed at the following locations: the Aberdeen Tunnel, the Cross Harbour Tunnel, the Lion Rock
Tunnel, the Eastern Harbour Tunnel, the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel, the Tai Lam Tunnel, the Kai Tak Tunnel, the Tseung Kwan O
Tunnel, the Shing Mun Tunnel, the Tsing Ma Control Area, the Tsing Sha Control Area, the Shenzhen Western Corridor, and
the Tolo Highway between Sha Tin and Tai Po near Hong Lok Yuen. The TCSS will also be installed at the Central Wanchai
Bypass and the Tolo Highway between Tai Po near Hong Lok Yuen and Fanling.
2 The SMP System covers the southbound of strategic routes from the New Territories to Kowloon, including: the Tolo Highway
near the Science Park to the Lion Rock Tunnel (Kowloon Exit), the Tate’s Cairn Highway to the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel (Kowloon
Exit), Tai Po Road (Sha Tin) from the Tolo Highway to the Eagle’s Nest Tunnel (Kowloon Exit), Shing Mun Tunnel Road to
the Shing Mun Tunnel (Kowloon Exit), the San Tin Highway near Fairview Park to Ting Kau via the Tai Lam Tunnel, the Yuen
Long Highway to Tsuen Wan via Tuen Mun Road, and Castle Peak Road from Pui To Road to Tsuen Wan (West).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 3
(iii) Route 3: from the Western Harbour Tunnel (Kowloon Exit) to the Tsing Long
Highway (excluding the Cheung Ching Tunnel, the Cheung Ching Highway, the
Tai Lam Tunnel, and southbound of the Tsing Long Highway)
(iv) Route 4: from the Island Eastern Corridor to Connaught Road West (excluding
the Central Wanchai Bypass)
(v) Route 5: from Kai Fuk Road to Tsuen Wan Road (excluding the Kai Tak Tunnel)
(vi) Route 6: from Wan Po Road Junction with Pung Loi Road to Ching Cheung
Road (excluding the Tseung Wan O Tunnel)
(vii) Route 7: the North Lantau Highway from the Lantau Link (Lantau Island Exit) to
the Airport
(viii) Route 8: from Tai Po Road (Sha Tin) to the Shing Mun Tunnel (Shatin Exit) and
the Shing Mun Tunnel (Tsuen Wan Exit) to Cheung Pei Shan Road
Subject to the approval of funding by the Finance Committee of the Legislative
Council, we schedule to commence the study and design work in early 2017 for
completion by 2018. The site installation and implementation works are targeted to
commence in 2018 for completion in 2021. The estimated expenditure of the project
is $200 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)193
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1442)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Transport Department will commence a study on installation of smart
devices at signalised pedestrian crossings to extend the pedestrian green time for the elderly
and persons with disabilities. Please inform this Committee of the details of the study and
the resources involved.
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 19)
Reply:
The study aims at identifying suitable smart device for fitting into the current traffic signal
system so that the device can be used for detecting smart cards held by the elderly and
persons with disabilities as indication of their demand to cross the road. An appropriately
longer green time for pedestrian signal will then be provided. The device to be adopted
has to be compatible with the various traffic signal control equipment systems currently
used in Hong Kong. The study will investigate the need for a mock up to confirm
technical feasibility. The study will also identify necessary modifications to the existing
traffic signal system, establish the cost-effectiveness, and recommend a plan for
territory-wide implementation including the resources required.
The study will be carried out by consultants and is scheduled to commence in the third
quarter of 2016 for completion in two years. The cost of the consultancy study is
estimated to be $4 million. An Engineer/Assistant Engineer will be deployed to oversee
the consultancy study and the annual staff cost is $0.7 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)194
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1443)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Transport Department (TD) will disburse government subsidies to
franchised bus operators for provision of seats at bus stops and termini. Please inform this
Committee of the details of the current government programme of installing seats at bus
stops and termini. What are the programme timetable and the estimated expenditure
involved?
Asked by: Hon Frankie YICK Chi-ming (Member Question No. 20)
Reply:
The Government has earmarked $88.27 million to subsidise the franchise bus operators to
provide for seats and display panels for real-time arrival information at covered bus stops.
For budgetary purpose, it is estimated that about two-thirds of the sum will likely be used on
seats.
Insofar as the installation of seats is concerned, about 140 of some 3 000 covered bus stops
are already equipped with seats. The franchised bus operators will be provided with
subsidy for installation of seats at all existing covered bus stops without seats. We expect
that seats will be installed at around 1 500 bus stops in the first phase of around three years,
and at the remaining bus stops in another two years’ time.
The TD is making preparation for rolling out the subsidy scheme and will start accepting
applications for subsidy from the franchised bus operators from mid-2016 onwards. It is
expected that the franchised bus operators will invite tender in the second half of 2016,
subject to further discussion with the TD. The estimated expenditure for the subsidy for
installation of seats will be better known upon completion of the tendering exercise.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)195
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1545)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Among the items which require special attention in 2016-17, it is noted that the Transport
Department (TD) will assist the Transport and Housing Bureau in preparing for and
commencing a review on parking policy and standards. What are the expenditure, content,
and programme of the review?
Asked by: Hon YIU Si-wing (Member Question No. 321)
Reply:
The TD has been monitoring the supply of, and demand for, parking spaces in Hong Kong.
In view of the community’s concern over parking provision, the Government will
commence in 2016-17 a review on parking policy and standards, with priority accorded to
considering and meeting the parking need of commercial vehicles. The details of the
review including the expenditure, scope and programme, etc. are being worked out.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)196
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1557)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Management of Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the changes in the numbers of bicycle parking spaces in each of the 18
districts in Hong Kong over the past three years. What are the measures taken by the
Government to encourage the greater use of bicycles as a transport mode?
Asked by: Hon YIU Si-wing (Member Question No. 333)
Reply:
The numbers of bicycle parking spaces managed by the Transport Department (TD) in each
of the 18 districts in the past three years are provided in the following table:
District Number of bicycle parking spaces (changes since 2013)
2013 2014 2015
Central and Western 0 0 (0) 0 (0)
Wan Chai 0 0 (0) 0 (0)
Eastern 0 0 (0) 0 (0)
Southern 0 0 (0) 0 (0)
Kowloon City 0 0 (0) 0 (0)
Sham Shui Po 60 60 (0) 60 (0)
Kwun Tong 0 0 (0) 0 (0)
Kwai Tsing 0 0 (0) 0 (0)
Yau Tsim Mong 51 51 (0) 51 (0)
Wong Tai Sin 0 0 (0) 0 (0)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 8
District Number of bicycle parking spaces (changes since 2013)
2013 2014 2015
Tsuen Wan 74 74 (0) 74 (0)
Tai Po 3 686 3 686 (0) 3 686 (0)
Islands 4 067 4 155 (+88) 4 619 (+552)
North 3 422 4 034 (+612) 4 034 (+612)
Sai Kung 4 946 4 986 (+40) 4 986 (+40)
Sha Tin 5 494 6 044 (+550) 6 044 (+550)
Tuen Mun 4 172 4 261 (+89) 4 339 (+167)
Yuen Long 8 275 8 275 (0) 8 400 (+125)
Total 34 247 35 626 (+1 379) 36 293 (+2 046)
Roads in Hong Kong, especially those in the urban area, are usually narrow and crowded.
Due to road safety considerations, the Government does not encourage the use of bicycle as
a transport mode in the urban areas. New towns and new development areas, on the other
hand, generally have lower traffic density and hence are more suitable for commuters to use
bicycles for short-distance commuting, as well as for leisure and recreational purpose. The
Government will continue to foster a “bicycle-friendly” environment in new towns and new
development areas by improving the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities in these areas.
For instance, as part of a consultancy study on improving the cycle track network in the nine
new towns in the New Territories, the TD has drawn up a list of about 900 potential
improvement sites. The first batch of improvement works for about 100 sites, including
provision of additional bicycle parking spaces, enhancement of cycling signage, and
widening of bends at existing cycle tracks, will start in 2016 in phases, with a target for
completion in two years. The TD is working on the remaining improvement proposals and
will implement them in stages.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 5 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)197
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 1564)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Upon the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), it is
anticipated that there would be a large volume of “Mainland – Hong Kong vehicle”
travelling between the urban area and the HZMB via the Lantau Link. By then, the burden
on the Lantau Link will be increased, and there will be a need for the Tuen Mun – Chek Lap
Kok Link (TM-CLKL) to divert the traffic. In the last financial year, the Government was
not able to assess the completion date for the HZMB. What are the revised completion
dates of the Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) under the HZMB and the TM-CLKL?
According to the Government’s assessment, would the traffic congestion on Tuen Mun
Road be aggravated upon the commissioning of the TM-CLKL? If so, what improvement
measures will the Government take?
Asked by: Hon YIU Si-wing (Member Question No. 340)
Reply:
The Highways Department anticipates that the HZMB HKLR and the HZMB Hong Kong
Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) will be completed by the end of 2017.
As for the TM-CLKL, it involves the Southern Connection and the Northern Connection.
The completion date of the Southern Connection will tie in with that of the HZMB Main
Bridge whilst the Northern Connection is targeted for completion in 2018.
Upon commissioning, the TM-CLKL will provide a direct route between the Northwest
New Territories (NWNT) and the Lantau, linking Tuen Mun with the HKBCF, the HZMB,
the Hong Kong International Airport and the North Lantau Highway. Therefore, the
TM-CLKL will divert part of the existing traffic between the NWNT and the urban area that
is currently using Tuen Mun Road (between Tuen Mun and Tsuen Wan), thus improving the
traffic condition of Tuen Mun Road.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)198
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 2487)
Head: (706) Capital Works Reserve Fund - Highways
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
According to Subhead 6845TH (Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong
boundary crossing facilities (HKBCF) – reclamation and superstructures), the estimate for
2016-17 is $9,811.95 million, representing an increase of more than $4,467 million over the
revised estimate for 2015-16. What is the reason for the significant increase? What is the
timetable for using the remaining provision? How can the progress of the project be
expedited?
Asked by: Hon Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung (Member Question No. 49)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
Subhead 6845TH involves reclamation works of the HZMB HKBCF and superstructure
works on the HKBCF. Superstructure works have commenced by phases since 2014. As
more superstructure works will take place in 2016-17, the expenditure under Subhead
6845TH is expected to increase in 2016-17 when compared to 2015-16.
The expenditure forecast for Subhead 6845TH in the coming years is as follows:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 1
The Highways Department will continue to closely monitor the programme of works of the
HKBCF, and to explore with its consultants and contractors on measures to expedite the
progress of works. It is anticipated that the essential works for the commissioning of the
HKBCF will be completed by the end of 2017.
- End -
Year Expenditure forecast
(in money-of-the-day prices)
($ million)
2016-17 9,812.0
2017-18 7,481.1
2018-19 3,596.7
2019-20 3,039.9
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)199
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5407)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In this regard, would the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) provide in the table below
details of the duty visits made by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the past
three years, including the date of visit, place of visit, size of entourage, purpose of visit,
expenses on hotel accommodation, air tickets and meals and total expenditure for each
visit? Please provide the amounts and the names of the sponsors of the sponsorships
received (if any) of each visit.
Date
of
visit
Place
of
visit
Size of
entourage
Purpose
of visit
Hotel
accommodation
expenses
Air
ticket
expenses
Meal
expenses
Total
expenditure
Asked by: Hon CHAN Chi-chuen (Member Question No. 166)
Reply:
Details of the overseas duty visits made by the DGCA in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16
with expenses incurred are provided in the table below. There is no sponsorship received for
the visits.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 3
Date
of visit
Place
of visit
Size of
entourage
(excluding
DGCA)
Purpose
of Visit
Expenses for DGCA only ($)
Hotel
accommodation
and meals
Air
ticket
Others
(e.g. travelling,
conference
registration, etc)
Total
22-26.6.2013
Bangkok /
Thailand
3
Chaired the 24th
Asia/Pacific Air
Navigation
Planning and
Implementation
Regional Group
(APANPIRG) of
the International
Civil Aviation
Organization
(ICAO) meetings
9,699
8,403
1,797
19,899
27-28.6.2013 Beijing /
China
1 Attended a
meeting with the
Civil Aviation
Administration of
China (CAAC) to
discuss
co-operation on
aviation matters
and the opening
ceremony of the
ICAO Asia and
Pacific Regional
Sub-office
28-31.10.2013 Beijing /
China
5 Attended the
signing ceremony
of the
Cooperation
Arrangement on
Mutual
Acceptance of
Approval of
Aircraft
Maintenance
Training
Organisations
between the
CAAC, the CAD
and the Civil
Aviation
Authority of
Macao (CAAM).
Also attended
meetings with the
civil aviation
authorities and the
search and rescue
agencies of the
8,937 4,413 N/A 13,350
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 4
Date
of visit
Place
of visit
Size of
entourage
(excluding
DGCA)
Purpose
of Visit
Expenses for DGCA only ($)
Hotel
accommodation
and meals
Air
ticket
Others
(e.g. travelling,
conference
registration, etc)
Total
Mainland to
discuss search and
rescue matters.
27-29.4.2014
Bangkok /
Thailand
4
Attended
meetings with the
ICAO Asia and
Pacific Office on
matters related to
ICAO
APANPIRG and
the 51st ICAO
DGCA
Conference
3,725
2,771
106
6,602
26-29.5.2014
Chengdu /
China
1
Attended the
China
Central-West
Region Airport
Construction
Summit 2014 and
acted as a Panel
Member on
Trends of Airport
Development
5,521
3,829
N/A
9,350
8-9.7.2014
Guangzhou /
China
4
Paid courtesy
visits to
Guangzhou Air
Command, etc
and attended
meetings with
various Mainland
agencies to
discuss air traffic
control matters
2,901
N/A
389
3,290
11-12.8.2014 Shenzhen /
China
3 Attended
meetings with the
Mainland aviation
authority to
discuss the impact
of the
Three-Runway
System project
3,088 N/A 9 3,097
7-12.9.2014
Kuala
Lumpur /
Malaysia
5 Chaired the 25th
ICAO
APANPIRG
meetings
11,152
4,516
198
15,866
7-8.1.2015
Beijing /
China
5 Attended
meetings with the
2,891
5,982
348
9,221
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 5
Date
of visit
Place
of visit
Size of
entourage
(excluding
DGCA)
Purpose
of Visit
Expenses for DGCA only ($)
Hotel
accommodation
and meals
Air
ticket
Others
(e.g. travelling,
conference
registration, etc)
Total
CAAC to discuss
aviation matters
1-7.2.2015
Montreal /
Canada
6 Attended ICAO
Second High-level
Safety Conference
2015 and
representing
APAC region
attended the
Planning and
Implementation
Regional Group –
Regional Aviation
Safety Group
Global
Coordination
Meetings
10,663
30,894
N/A
41,557
12-13.2.2015
Guangzhou /
China
3
Attended
meetings with the
Mainland aviation
authority to
discuss air traffic
control matters
2,885
N/A
447
3,332
6-8.5.2015 Fukuoka /
Japan
1 Attended as the
chairman of the
APANPIRG and
delivered a
presentation at the
Asia Pacific
Conference 2015
of the Civil Air
Navigation
Services
Organization
(CANSO)
4,762
6,329 103 11,194
13-14.5.2015 Guangzhou /
China
4 Attended the Pearl
River Delta
(PRD) Region
Airport Operation
Seminar
3,529 N/A 388 3,917
21-22.5.2015 Bangkok /
Thailand
3 Attended the
Regional Aviation
Safety Group
(RASG)-
APANPIRG
Coordination
Meeting and
APANPIRG/25
6,127 3,037 121 9,285
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 6
Date
of visit
Place
of visit
Size of
entourage
(excluding
DGCA)
Purpose
of Visit
Expenses for DGCA only ($)
Hotel
accommodation
and meals
Air
ticket
Others
(e.g. travelling,
conference
registration, etc)
Total
Midterm Review
Meeting
6-10.9.2015 Bangkok /
Thailand
4 Chaired the 26th
ICAO
APANPIRG
meetings
9,514 2,879 65 12,458
26-29.10.2015 Manila /
Philippines
7 Attended the
ICAO 5th RASG
Meeting and 3rd
Regional Aviation
Security
Coordination
Forum cum 52nd
DGCA
Conference, Asia
and Pacific
Region,
moderated one of
the agenda items
of the DGCA
Conference, and
signed a technical
arrangement on
airworthiness
7,132 2,927 N/A 10,059
18.1.2016 Guangzhou /
China
5 Attended
meetings with the
Mainland aviation
authority to
discuss air traffic
control matters
N/A N/A 502 502
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)200
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5411)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In a report of the Director of Audit earlier on, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) was
criticised for blundering seriously in the replacement of the air traffic control (ATC)
systems, and delaying the commissioning date of the new ATC systems repeatedly. Even
after spending almost $100 million to improve it, the CAD still could not feel assured to use
the new system. The stability of the new system was in question. It was worried that the
system might pose problems to aviation safety in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the CAD has
spent $2 billion of public funds to build its new headquarters. The CAD was criticised for
providing shower facilities in its Director-General’s office and constructing an additional
1 500 square metres (m2) floor area without approval. Has the CAD conducted reviews in
respect of the recommendations in the Director of Audit’s report? Please set out the
remedial measures taken by the CAD up to now. How will the additional 1 500 m2 floor
area be put into good use?
Asked by: Hon CHAN Chi-chuen (Member Question No. 170)
Reply:
The CAD accepts the recommendations made by the Audit Commission and the Public
Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Legislative Council (LegCo) regarding the new CAD
headquarters project and the administration of the air traffic control and related services.
The CAD has accordingly taken follow-up actions as appropriate. Details of the actions
were reported to the LegCo as included in the Government Minute in response to the PAC
Report No. 63 on 20 May 2015 and the Government Minute in response to the PAC Report
No. 63A and No. 64 on 28 October 2015. In short, regarding the 1 500 m2 expansion area,
the CAD has obtained approval of the Property Vetting Committee to use part of the area
for its office use. With the assistance from the Government Property Agency, the
remaining area has all been taken up by other government departments for official use.
As regards the implementation of the new ATC systems project, ensuring aviation safety
and expeditious air traffic management is the topmost priority of the CAD. The CAD has
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 8
been conducting stringent acceptance tests and comprehensive safety assessment on the new
Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) in accordance with international aviation safety
management standards and established Government procedures, in order to ensure that the
system operation complies with the contract conditions and safety requirements.
With air traffic safety being the paramount concern, both the CAD and the Transport and
Housing Bureau have appointed independent consultants to further ensure the safety,
reliability, stability and system and staff readiness of the new ATC systems operations.
According to the independent consultants’ assessment, the ATMS is safe, stable and reliable
and in line with good practice in other ATC centres overseas. According to current
progress and subject to further review on system and staff readiness by the independent
consultant, the new ATMS should be ready for operation by June 2016 to handle live air
traffic in a progressive and phased manner.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 6 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)201
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 7176)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(1) Please advise on the numbers and the respective salaries and allowances of Air Traffic
Control Officers I (ATCO I), Air Traffic Control Officers II (ATCO II), Student Air
Traffic Control Officers (SATCO), Flight Procedure Designers and Airspace
Designers of the Civil Aviation Department (CAD).
(2) Since the publication of the Report No. 63 of the Director of Audit in 2014, please
advise on the position of Part 4 of the Report, i.e. the administration of the air traffic
control service related charges, overdue charges, as well as the collection of en-route
navigation charges.
(3) Please list the names of airlines which involved overdue charges of $250,000 or more
and the respective overdue amount.
Asked by: Hon Albert HO Chun-yan (Member Question No. 41)
Reply:
(1) For 2016-17, the notional annual salary cost at mid-point of the ATCO grade at
different ranks and the corresponding establishment are tabulated below:
Rank
Notional Annual
Mid-point Salary for each post
Establishment
(as at 29 February 2016)
ATCO I $1,309,080 34
ATCO II $1,013,760 162
ATCO III / SATCO $441,300 78
There is no breakdown of provision for allowances by individual grades.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 0
Flight procedures and airspace designs are also undertaken by the ATCOs who have
completed the specialised training on relevant subjects.
(2) Having taken into account the recommendations concerning the administration of air
traffic control service related charges set out in Part 4 of Chapter 4 of the Director of
Audit’s Report No. 63, the CAD has re-examined the level of the en-route navigation
charge (ENC) rate and the revised rate has been implemented on 1 October 2015.
The CAD will continue to review the ENC rate in accordance with the Government’s
established policies and procedures, as well as conduct a review after implementing
the ENC level recommended in each fees and charges review so as to ensure that the
charge level is conducive to achieving full-cost recovery and adhering to the
Government’s “user pays” principle.
The CAD has also taken effective follow-up actions to prevent the loss of revenue of
the ENC, including demanding banker’s guarantees from operators with unsatisfactory
ENC payment records, reminding the airline operators of their contractual obligation
to pay the ENC and taking legal actions against defaulting airline operators as
appropriate.
(3) As at 29 February 2016, nine airline operators have overdue charges of $250,000 or
more, with a total of $12.4 million. The CAD has already referred these cases to the
Department of Justice to take recovery actions, and therefore cannot disclose the
details of the airline operators concerned.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)202
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5950)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Airport Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Has the Government been monitoring the noise level at Ma Wan on a regular basis and
implemented improvement measures accordingly over the past five years? If yes, what are
the details and expenditure involved? Does the Government have plans for a noise
monitoring terminal in the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Will the Government formulate any measures to improve the noise level in the district, and
assess the impact of the commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS) at the airport on
the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 168)
Reply:
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) monitors the daily noise level of aircraft, and has
installed 16 noise monitoring terminals (NMTs) which are located along or close to the
flight paths operating into and out of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)1. The
noise data collected by the NMTs are consolidated and regularly uploaded onto the CAD’s
website.
The CAD has implemented a number of aircraft noise abatement measures based on the
guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization, among which the measures that
can alleviate the noise impact in Ma Wan include:
1 The NMTS are located at Ma Wan (Park I s land) , Ta i Wai (Mei Lam Estate) , Kwai Chung (On
Yam Estate) , Shau Kei Wan (Yiu Tung Estate) , North Point (Beverley Heights, Cloud View
Road) , Mid -Levels (Fa irmont Gardens , Conduit Road) , Tsing Lung Tau (Hong Kong Garden) ,
Lantau (Sha Lo Wan), Tung Chung (Caribbean C oast) , T ing Kau (Ma Wan Marine Control
Centre) , Tai Lam Chung Tsuen, Tsuen Wan (Greenview Cour t , Yau Kom Tau) , Tsing Yi
(Cheung Hang Esta te) , Sunny Bay (Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot) , Jard ine’s Lookout (Mount
But ler Road) , and Tsing Yi (Mount Haven, Liu To Road) .
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 2
(a) aircraft departing to the northeast of the HKIA are required to adopt the noise
abatement take-off procedures to reduce the noise impact on areas located in the
vicinity of the HKIA. Aircraft adopting the procedures are required to reduce
their power upon reaching an altitude of 800 feet or above to abate aircraft noise;
(b) to reduce aircraft noise at source, only aircraft complying with the noise
standards in Chapter 3 of Part II, Volume I, Annex 16 to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation (Chapter 3 noise standards) and the Civil Aviation
(Aircraft Noise) Ordinance (Cap 312) are allowed to operate in Hong Kong.
This measure is comparable to that of other major international airports;
(c) the CAD has implemented a set of flight procedures whereby aircraft which
could use satellite-based navigation technology in their flights can adhere closely
to the nominal centre line of the flight track, when the aircraft depart to the
northeast of the HKIA and make south turn to the West Lamma Channel.
This keeps the aircraft at a distance away from the areas in the vicinity of the
flight paths, in particular Ma Wan, and reduces the impact of aircraft noise on
these areas; and
(d) starting from late March 2014, the CAD no longer allows aircraft which are
marginally compliant with the Chapter 3 noise standards to land and take off in
Hong Kong between 11:00 pm and 07:00 am. With effect from late October
2014, this measure has been extended to cover the whole day, thus further
alleviating the aircraft noise impact on the local communities. Based on our
latest statistics, a number of airlines have introduced quieter passenger and cargo
aircraft such as B777-300ER, A330, A380, B777F, B787 and B747-8F. The
CAD will continue to monitor and liaise actively with airlines on their progress
in fleet modernisation.
The monitoring and implementation of the above noise abatement measures is undertaken
by the CAD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties under Programme (2).
As regards the impact of the 3RS operation on the noise level at Ma Wan, the aircraft noise
impact assessment in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report approved by the
Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) showed that the location concerned is outside
the Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) 25 contours (The NEF contours are used to forecast and
assess the impact of aircraft noise for land use planning purposes). No adverse residual
aircraft noise impact is identified to be associated with the operation of the 3RS project.
Under the Environmental Permit issued for the 3RS project, the Airport Authority Hong
Kong (AA) is required to submit an Aircraft Noise Monitoring Plan to the DEP for approval
before the operation of the 3RS project, which will include representative locations such as
Ma Wan. The CAD will continue to work with the AA and airlines to explore measures to
further alleviate the noise impact of aircraft operation on local communities.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)203
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5952)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Airport Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Has the Government been monitoring the noise level at Discovery Bay on a regular basis
and implemented improvement measures accordingly over the past five years? If yes,
what are the details and expenditure involved? Does the Government have plans for a
noise monitoring terminal in the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated
expenditure? Will the Government formulate any measures to improve the noise level in
the district, and assess the impact of the commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS)
at the airport on the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 170)
Reply:
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) monitors the daily noise level of aircraft, and has
installed 16 noise monitoring terminals (NMTs) which are located along or close to the
flight paths operating into and out of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)1. The
noise data collected by the NMTs are consolidated and regularly uploaded onto the CAD’s
website. As aircraft operating into and out of the HKIA do not normally overfly Discovery
Bay, the CAD does not have any plan at this stage to install an NMT at that location.
The CAD has implemented a number of aircraft noise abatement measures based on the
guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization to alleviate the aircraft noise
1 The NTMs are located a t Tai Wai (Mei Lam Estate) , Kwai Chung (On Yam Esta te) , Shau Kei
Wan (Yiu Tung Esta te) , North Point (Bever ley Heights, Cloud View Road) , Mid -Levels
(Fa irmont Gardens, Condui t Road) , Tsing Lung Tau (Hong Kong Garden) , Lantau (Sha L o
Wan) , Tung Chung (Car ibbean Coast) , T ing Kau (Ma Wan Mar ine Control Cent re) , Ma Wan
(Park I sland) , Ta i Lam Chung Tsuen, Tsuen Wan (Greenview Cour t , Yau Kom Tau) , Tsing Yi
(Cheung Hang Esta te) , Sunny Bay (Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot) , Jard ine’s Lookout (Mount
But ler Road) , and Tsing Yi (Mount Haven, Liu To Road) .
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 4
impact. The monitoring and implementation of the above noise abatement measures is
undertaken by the CAD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties under Programme (2).
As regards the impact of the 3RS operation on the noise level at Discovery Bay, the aircraft
noise impact assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Report approved by
the Director of Environmental Protection showed that the location concerned is outside the
Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) 25 contours (NEF contours are used to forecast and assess
the impact of aircraft noise for land use planning purposes). No adverse residual aircraft
noise impact is identified to be associated with the operation of the 3RS project.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)204
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5953)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Airport Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Has the Government been monitoring the noise level at Tung Chung North on a regular
basis and implemented improvement measures accordingly over the past five years? If yes,
what are the details and expenditure involved? Does the Government have plans for a noise
monitoring terminal in the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Will the Government formulate any measures to improve the noise level in the district, and
assess the impact of the commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS) at the airport on
the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 171)
Reply:
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) monitors the daily noise level of aircraft, and has
installed 16 noise monitoring terminals (NMTs) which are located along or close to the
flight paths operating into and out of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)1. The
noise data collected by the NMTs are consolidated and regularly uploaded onto the CAD’s
website.
The CAD has implemented a number of aircraft noise abatement measures based on the
guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization, among which the measures that
can alleviate the noise impact in Tung Chung include:
1 The NMTs are located at Tung Chung (Caribbean Coast) , Tai Wai (Mei Lam Estate ) , Kwai
Chung (On Yam Estate) , Shau Kei Wan (Yiu Tung Estate) , North Po int (Bever ley Heights,
Cloud View Road) , Mid -Levels (Fai rmont Gardens, Condui t Road) , Tsing Lung Tau (Hong
Kong Garden) , Lantau (Sha Lo Wan), T ing Kau (Ma Wan Marine Control Centre) , Ma Wan
(Park I sland) , Ta i Lam Chung Tsuen, Tsuen Wan (Greenview Cour t , Yau Kom Tau) , Tsing Yi
(Cheung Hang Esta te) , Sunny Ba y (Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot) , Jard ine’s Lookout (Mount
But ler Road) , and Tsing Yi (Mount Haven, Liu To Road) .
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 6
(a) to reduce aircraft noise at source, only aircraft complying with the noise
standards in Chapter 3 of Part II, Volume I, Annex 16 to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation (Chapter 3 noise standards) and the Civil Aviation
(Aircraft Noise) Ordinance (Cap 312) are allowed to operate in Hong Kong.
This measure is comparable to that of other major international airports; and
(b) starting from late March 2014, the CAD no longer allows aircraft which are
marginally compliant with the Chapter 3 noise standards to land and take off in
Hong Kong between 11:00 pm and 07:00 am. With effect from late October
2014, this measure has been extended to cover the whole day, thus further
alleviating the aircraft noise impact on the local communities. Based on our
latest statistics, a number of airlines have introduced quieter passenger and cargo
aircraft such as B777-300ER, A330, A380, B777F, B787 and B747-8F. The
CAD will continue to monitor and liaise actively with airlines on their progress
in fleet modernisation.
The monitoring and implementation of the above noise abatement measures is undertaken
by the CAD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties under Programme (2).
As regards the impact of the 3RS operation on the noise level at Tung Chung North, the
aircraft noise impact assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Report
approved by the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) showed that the location
concerned is outside the Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) 25 contours (The NEF contours
are used to forecast and assess the impact of aircraft noise for land use planning purposes).
No adverse residual aircraft noise impact is identified to be associated with the operation of
the 3RS project. Under the Environmental Permit issued for the 3RS project, the Airport
Authority Hong Kong (AA) is required to submit an Aircraft Noise Monitoring Plan to the
DEP for approval before the operation of the 3RS project, which will include representative
locations such as Tung Chung. The CAD will continue to work with the AA and airlines
to explore measures to further alleviate the noise impact of aircraft operation on local
communities.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)205
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5954)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Airport Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Has the Government been monitoring the noise level at Tung Chung South on a regular
basis and implemented improvement measures accordingly over the past five years? If yes,
what are the details and expenditure involved? Does the Government have plans for a
noise monitoring terminal in the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated
expenditure? Will the Government formulate any measures to improve the noise level in
the district, and assess the impact of the commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS)
at the airport on the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 174)
Reply:
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) monitors the daily noise level of aircraft, and has
installed 16 noise monitoring terminals (NMTs) which are located along or close to the
flight paths operating into and out of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)1. The
noise data collected by the NMTs are consolidated and regularly uploaded onto the CAD’s
website.
The CAD has implemented a number of aircraft noise abatement measures based on the
guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization, among which the measures that
can alleviate the noise impact in Tung Chung include:
1 The NMTs are located at Tung Chung (Caribbean Coast) , Tai Wai (Mei Lam Estate ) , Kwai
Chung (On Yam Estate) , Shau Kei Wan (Yiu Tung Estate) , North Po int (Bever ley Heights,
Cloud View Road) , Mid -Levels (Fai rmont Gardens, Condui t Road) , Tsing Lung Tau (Hong
Kong Garden) , Lantau (Sha Lo Wan), T ing Kau (Ma Wan Marine Control Centre) , Ma Wan
(Park I sland) , Ta i Lam Chung Tsuen, Tsuen Wan (Greenview Cour t , Yau Kom Tau) , Tsing Yi
(Cheung Hang Esta te) , Sunny Bay (Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot) , Jard ine’s Lookout (Mount
But ler Road) , and Tsing Yi (Mount Haven, Liu To Road) .
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 8
(a) to reduce aircraft noise at source, only aircraft complying with the noise
standards in Chapter 3 of Part II, Volume I, Annex 16 to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation (Chapter 3 noise standards) and the Civil Aviation
(Aircraft Noise) Ordinance (Cap 312) are allowed to operate in Hong Kong.
This measure is comparable to that of other major international airports; and
(b) starting from late March 2014, the CAD no longer allows aircraft which are
marginally compliant with the Chapter 3 noise standards to land and take off in
Hong Kong between 11:00 pm and 07:00 am. With effect from late October
2014, this measure has been extended to cover the whole day, thus further
alleviating the aircraft noise impact on the local communities. Based on our
latest statistics, a number of airlines have introduced quieter passenger and cargo
aircraft such as B777-300ER, A330, A380, B777F, B787 and B747-8F. The
CAD will continue to monitor and liaise actively with airlines on their progress
in fleet modernisation.
The monitoring and implementation of the above noise abatement measures is undertaken
by the CAD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties under Programme (2).
As regards the impact of the 3RS operation on the noise level at Tung Chung South, the
aircraft noise impact assessment in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report approved
by the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) showed that the location concerned is
outside the Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) 25 contours (NEF contours are used to forecast
and assess the impact of aircraft noise for land use planning purposes). No adverse
residual aircraft noise impact is identified to be associated with the operation of the 3RS
project. Under the Environmental Permit issued for the 3RS project, the Airport Authority
Hong Kong (AA) is required to submit an Aircraft Noise Monitoring Plan to the DEP for
approval before the operation of the 3RS project, which will include representative locations
such as Tung Chung. The CAD will continue to work with the AA and airlines to explore
measures to further alleviate the noise impact of aircraft operation on local communities.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 7 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)206
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5956)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Airport Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Has the Government been monitoring the noise level at Belvedere Garden, Tsuen Wan on a
regular basis and implemented improvement measures accordingly over the past five years?
If yes, what are the details and expenditure involved? Does the Government have plans for
a noise monitoring terminal in the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated
expenditure? Will the Government formulate any measures to improve the noise level in
the district, and assess the impact of the commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS)
at the airport on the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 176)
Reply:
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) monitors the daily noise level of aircraft, and has
installed 16 noise monitoring terminals (NMTs) which are located along or close to the
flight paths operating into and out of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)1. The
noise data collected by the NMTs are consolidated and regularly uploaded onto the CAD’s
website.
The CAD has implemented a number of aircraft noise abatement measures based on the
guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization, among which the measures that
can alleviate the noise impact in Tsuen Wan include:
1 The NMTs are loca ted a t Tsuen Wan (Greenview Court , Yau Kom Tau) , Tai Wai (Mei Lam
Estate) , K wai Chung (On Yam Esta te) , Shau Kei Wan (Yiu Tung Estate) , Nor th Point
(Beverley Heights, Cloud View Road) , Mid -Levels (Fa irmont Gardens, Condui t Road) , Tsing
Lung Tau (Hong Kong Garden) , Lantau (Sha Lo Wan), Tung Chung (Caribbean Coast) , T ing
Kau (Ma Wan Marine Control Centre) , Ma Wan (Park Is land) , Tai Lam Chung Tsuen, Tsing Yi
(Cheung Hang Esta te) , Sunny Bay (Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot) , Jard ine’s Lookout (Mount
But ler Road) , and Tsing Yi (Mount Haven, Liu To Road) .
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 0
(a) between midnight and 07:00 am, subject to acceptable operational and safety
consideration, arriving aircraft are required to land from the southwest. This
measure aims at reducing the number of aircraft overflying populated areas such
as Tsuen Wan, Shatin, Sham Tseng and Tsing Lung Tau;
(b) aircraft departing to the northeast of the HKIA are required to adopt the noise
abatement take-off procedures to reduce the noise impact on areas located in the
vicinity of the HKIA. Aircraft adopting the procedures are required to reduce
their power upon reaching an altitude of 800 feet or above to abate aircraft noise;
(c) to reduce aircraft noise at source, only aircraft complying with the noise
standards in Chapter 3 of Part II, Volume I, Annex 16 to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation (Chapter 3 noise standards) and the Civil Aviation
(Aircraft Noise) Ordinance (Cap 312) are allowed to operate in Hong Kong.
This measure is comparable to that of other major international airports; and
(d) starting from late March 2014, the CAD no longer allows aircraft which are
marginally compliant with the Chapter 3 noise standards to land and take off in
Hong Kong between 11:00 pm and 07:00 am. With effect from late October
2014, this measure has been extended to cover the whole day, thus further
alleviating the aircraft noise impact on the local communities. Based on our
latest statistics, a number of airlines have introduced quieter passenger and cargo
aircraft such as B777-300ER, A330, A380, B777F, B787 and B747-8F. The
CAD will continue to monitor and liaise actively with airlines on their progress
in fleet modernisation.
The monitoring and implementation of the above noise abatement measures is undertaken
by the CAD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties under Programme (2).
As regards the impact of the 3RS operation on the noise level at Tsuen Wan, the aircraft
noise impact assessment in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report approved by the
Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) showed that the location concerned is outside
the Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) 25 contours (NEF contours are used to forecast and
assess the impact of aircraft noise for land use planning purposes). No adverse residual
aircraft noise impact is identified to be associated with the operation of the 3RS project.
Under the Environmental Permit issued for the 3RS project, the Airport Authority Hong
Kong (AA) is required to submit an Aircraft Noise Monitoring Plan to the DEP for approval
before the operation of the 3RS project, which will include representative locations such as
Tsuen Wan. The CAD will continue to work with the AA and airlines to explore measures
to further alleviate the noise impact of aircraft operation on local communities.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)207
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5962)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Airport Standards
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: Has the Government been monitoring the noise level at Kingswood Villas on a regular basis
and implemented improvement measures accordingly over the past five years? If yes,
what are the details and expenditure involved? Does the Government have plans for a
noise monitoring terminal in the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated
expenditure? Will the Government formulate any measures to improve the noise level in
the district? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure? Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 182) Reply: The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) monitors the daily noise level of aircraft, and has
installed 16 noise monitoring terminals (NMTs) which are located along or close to the
flight paths operating into and out of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)1. The
noise data collected by the NMTs are consolidated and regularly uploaded onto the CAD’s
website. As aircraft operating into and out of the HKIA do not normally overfly Tin Shui
Wai (Kingswood Villas), the CAD does not have any plan at this stage to install an NMT at
that location. The CAD has implemented a number of aircraft noise abatement measures based on the
guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization to alleviate the aircraft noise
impact. The monitoring and implementation of the above noise abatement measures is
undertaken by the CAD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties under Programme (2).
- End -
1 The NMTs are located a t Tai Wai (Mei Lam Estate) , Kwai Chung (On Yam Esta te) , Shau Kei
Wan (Yiu Tung Esta te) , North Point (Bever ley Heights, Cloud View Road) , Mid -Levels
(Fa irmont Gardens, Condui t Road) , Tsing Lung Tau (Hong Kong Garden) , Lantau (Sha Lo
Wan) , Tung Chung (Car ibbean Coast) , T ing K au (Ma Wan Mar ine Control Cent re) , Ma Wan
(Park I sland) , Ta i Lam Chung Tsuen, Tsuen Wan (Greenview Cour t , Yau Kom Tau) , Tsing Yi
(Cheung Hang Esta te) , Sunny Bay (Siu Ho Wan MTRC Depot) , Jard ine’s Lookout (Mount
But ler Road) , and Tsing Yi (Mount Haven, Liu To Road) .
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)208
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4767)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Did the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) conduct any Search and Rescue Exercise
(SAREX) in the previous financial year? If yes, what were the details? If no, what were
the reasons? When will the exercise be conducted again to strengthen the CAD’s
co-operation and co-ordination with other government departments as well as the relevant
Mainland and overseas agencies?
Asked by: Hon MA Fung-kwok (Member Question No. 70)
Reply:
To enhance the CAD’s capabilities in search and rescue operations in the event of aircraft
accidents, the CAD successfully conducted a long range SAREX on 15 December 2015,
simulating an aircraft in distress and ditched into the sea at about 50 nautical miles east of
Hong Kong. Five search and rescue organisations participated in the exercise, including
the CAD, the Hong Kong Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army Forces, the Nanhai
Rescue Bureau of the Mainland Ministry of Transport, the Government Flying Services and
the Hong Kong Observatory.
In accordance with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP) published by the
International Civil Aviation Organization, the CAD conducts the SAREX from time to time
with a view to strengthening co-operation and co-ordination in search and rescue operations
between the CAD and the other search and rescue organisations. The exercise also
provides qualified air traffic control officers, aircrew and other search and rescue units
likely to be involved in such operations with continued training and familiarisation with
search and rescue techniques.
The CAD will keep in view the schedule of the next SAREX, taking into account of the
training needs of the department and the other relevant organisations.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)209
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4607)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In view of the global development trend of major airports, an increasing number of
commercial flights will change to satellite-based accurate navigation in the
approach/departure procedures. However, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has yet to
take proactive actions to apply this technology and develop more flight paths for aircraft
approach or departure in limited airspace. Will the Government inform this Committee of
the following:
(1) For the work to refine air traffic operating procedures and improve air traffic control
and air navigation facilities, what will be the provision earmarked under the 2016-17
Budget?
(2) Though the Airport Authority Hong Kong has plans to include controllers responsible
for “surface control” in its establishment, there has been a great shortage of air traffic
control officers. Will the Government inform this Committee whether the CAD will
improve the pay package of air traffic control officers or expand the training schemes
for local air traffic control officers so as to retain talents; and of the average
remuneration of local air traffic control officers in the past three years?
(3) The time-keeping performance of airlines and other aircraft operators is affected by
limitations posed by the existing aircraft stands. Will the Government inform this
Committee of the provision under the 2016-17 Budget earmarked for facilitating the
CAD to monitor the time-keeping performance; and whether the existing air traffic
control system has been able to automatically perform the monitoring and statistical
work so that no additional provision has to be earmarked under the 2016-17 Budget?
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 85)
Reply:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 4
(1) The CAD utilised satellite-based navigation technology and implemented the first set
of satellite-based flight procedures at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in
2006, in line with the roadmap promulgated by the International Civil Aviation
Organization with regard to the use of new air navigation technologies. Since then,
the CAD has taken heed of the latest satellite-based navigation capability and
progressively optimised the design of flight paths and flight procedures, which
resulted in enhancement to flight safety and operational efficiency. Currently,
satellite-based flight procedures, including approach and departure procedures, are
implemented at the HKIA.
In 2016-17, the CAD will continue to implement a number of enhancement measures
to improve air traffic management efficiency, including the refinement of air traffic
operating procedures to enhance flight safety and air-route capacity of the Hong
Kong Flight Information Region (HKFIR). The above work is undertaken by
existing staff of the CAD as part of their normal duties under Programme (3), and
there are no additional expenses involved.
Regarding improvement of air navigation facilities, the CAD has continued to
implement the latest satellite-based technology in enhancing flight tracking
capabilities and flight safety. An estimated expenditure of $1.2 million will be
incurred in 2016-17. The CAD continues its effort to bring in the latest technology
gradually through a replacement plan for the existing air navigation facilities.
(2) The CAD reviews the manpower of air traffic controllers regularly in order to cope
with the growth in air traffic at the HKIA as well as within the HKFIR. There are
currently 78 Air Traffic Control Officers III (ATCOs III) and Student Air Traffic
Control Officers (SATCOs) [training ranks in the Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO)
grade] in the CAD establishment. Majority of ATCO IIIs and SATCOs are
undergoing various stage of specialised training for taking up air traffic control duties.
To fill anticipated vacancies as a result of retirement in the ATCO grade, the CAD
plans to recruit three ATCO IIIs/SATCOs in 2016-17.
The annual salaries in term of notional annual mid-point salary for the ATCO grade at
different ranks in the past three years are:
Rank 2013-14
($)
2014-15
($)
2015-16
($)
ATCO I 1,153,800 1,222,560 1,309,080
ATCO II 882,300 934,860 1,013,760
ATCO III/SATCO 402,840 421,800 441,300
(3) The existing scheduling software of the CAD is capable of producing the
on-time-performance statistical data of airline operations. Those for general or
business aviation operations are calculated manually.
Monitoring of the time-keeping performance of airlines and other aircraft operators are
undertaken by the existing CAD staff as part of their normal duties under Programme
(3). There is no separate breakdown of expenditure for such work.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)210
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5053)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Financial Secretary mentioned in paragraph 148 of the 2015-16 Budget Speech that he
had “asked all policy bureau to achieve more efficient use of resources through
re-engineering and re-prioritising” and “launched the ‘0-1-1’ envelope savings programme
to reduce operating expenditure by a total of two per cent over the next three financial years.
Resources saved will be re-allocated for new services.” Please inform this Committee of
the implementation of the “0-1-1” envelope savings programme by the Civil Aviation
Department (CAD) in 2015-16 and 2016-17, the services affected by the programme and
details of the expenditure involved.
Asked by: Hon SIN Chung-kai (Member Question No. 28)
Reply:
The “0-1-1” envelope savings programme is a fiscal planning tool aimed at achieving more
efficient use of public resources through greater efforts in re-engineering and
re-prioritisation such that the savings can be re-deployed to the implementation of new or
enhanced services. With the provision of safe and efficient air traffic control services
being the paramount concern of the CAD, the CAD has implemented the following major
measures in order to deliver the target savings in 2016-17:
(a) Savings on maintenance expenses and services as a result of the planned
implementation of the new air traffic control (ATC) systems
The new ATC systems have employed advanced technologies with more levels of
system resilience to ensure safe, reliable and stable air traffic operations. Besides,
some recently commissioned ATC systems are still within the warranty period.
System support and maintenance work have been streamlined to improve efficiency
and achieve the same level of performance as compared with the existing ATC
systems.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 6
(b) Savings on energy savings measures
The CAD has embarked on various energy saving measures including optimization of
energy performance of air conditioning systems, streamlining procedures for more
efficient use of backup generators to support ATC systems resulting in less
consumption of fuel oils, dismantling lighting tubes, and automatically switching
office computers to hibernate mode after office hours, etc.
(c) Synergy savings under the operations and maintenance services contract with
Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund (EMSTF)
Based on experience gained by EMSTF in operations and maintenance of electrical
and mechanical / building services facilities in support of ATC systems and more
levels of system resilience, some of the performance requirements have been reviewed
and adjusted without adversely impacting the ATC operations.
These measures will not affect the standards of CAD’s services to the industry and the
public and the savings arising from these measures are sufficient to meet the “0-1-1” target.
Indeed, the estimate for the CAD for 2016-17 is higher than that for 2015-16 by 1.6%,
reflecting efficiency savings to be achieved through the “0-1-1” programme and new
resources allocated to the CAD for delivering new/improved services.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)211
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3441)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (5) Air Services and Safety Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding “providing information to the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) for air
services negotiations”, please inform this Committee of the following:
(1) What information did the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) provide to the THB for
air services negotiations in each of the past three years?
(2) Did the information mention, inter alia, the development of civil aviation in our
neighbouring places and the development of low-cost carriers (LCC)? If yes, what
are the details?
(3) What will be the work details and the estimated expenditure in respect of the above
matters in 2016-17?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 100)
Reply:
(1) The CAD provided information and statistics regarding airlines’ operations on the
relevant routes to the THB to facilitate air services negotiations with our aviation
partners.
(2) The information which the CAD provided to the THB was primarily information and
statistics regarding airlines’ operations on the relevant routes.
(3) The CAD will continue to support the THB in air services negotiations by providing
the necessary information and statistics on air services to and from Hong Kong. The
work involved is undertaken by the existing staff of the Air Services and Safety
Management Division as part of their normal duties. There is no separate breakdown
of expenditure for such work.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)212
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3442)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In paragraph 148 of the Budget Speech 2015-16, the Financial Secretary mentioned that he
had “asked all policy bureaux to achieve more efficient use of resources through
re-engineering and re-prioritising.” He had “also launched the ‘0-1-1’ envelope savings
programme to reduce operating expenditure by a total of two per cent over the next three
financial years. Resources saved will be re-allocated for new services.” Please advise this
Committee on the implementation details of the “0-1-1” envelop savings programme
undertaken by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18, the
services affected and the details of the expenditure involved.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 103)
Reply:
The “0-1-1” envelope savings programme is a fiscal planning tool aimed at achieving more
efficient use of public resources through greater efforts in re-engineering and
re-prioritisation (R&R) such that the savings can be re-deployed to the implementation of
new or enhanced services. With the provision of safe and efficient air traffic control
services being the paramount concern of the CAD, the CAD has implemented the following
major measures in order to deliver the target savings through 2016-17 to 2017-18:
(a) Savings on maintenance expenses and services as a result of the planned
implementation of the new air traffic control (ATC) systems
The new ATC systems have employed advanced technologies with more levels of
system resilience to ensure safe, reliable and stable air traffic operations. Besides,
some recently commissioned ATC systems are still within the warranty period.
System support and maintenance work have been streamlined to improve efficiency
and achieve the same level of performance as compared with the existing ATC
systems.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 8 9
(b) Savings on energy savings measures
The CAD has embarked on various energy saving measures including optimization of
energy performance of air conditioning systems, streamlining procedures for more
efficient use of backup generators to support ATC systems resulting in less
consumption of fuel oils, dismantling lighting tubes, and automatically switching
office computers to hibernate mode after office hours, etc.
(c) Synergy savings under the operations and maintenance services contract with
Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund (EMSTF)
Based on experience gained by EMSTF in operations and maintenance of electrical
and mechanical / building services facilities in support of ATC systems and more
levels of system resilience, some of the performance requirements have been reviewed
and adjusted without adversely impacting the ATC operations.
These measures will not affect the standard of CAD’s services to the industry and the public
and the CAD plans to continue with its efforts in promoting R&R for achieving efficiency
gains under the “0-1-1” programme in 2017-18. Indeed, the estimate for the CAD for
2016-17 is higher than that for 2015-16 by 1.6%, reflecting efficiency savings to be
achieved through the “0-1-1” programme and new resources allocated to the CAD for
delivering new/improved services.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)213
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4658)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Air Traffic Engineering Services
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
As stated in a report of the Director of Audit, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) was
granted funding by the Finance Committee in 2008 to purchase a new generation air traffic
control (ATC) system, namely the Autotrac 3 system developed by Raytheon Company in
the USA, but the system is not yet fully commissioned, thus impairing the efficiency of the
Hong Kong International Airport in handling air traffic. It is mentioned under this
Programme that the system will be commissioned in 2016-17. Please inform this
Committee whether the CAD has confirmed that all the queries previously raised by
different parties, including the CAD staff, about the Autotrac 3 system have been resolved.
What measures will be introduced in response to the recommendations in the report of the
Director of Audit, and what will be the expenditure involved for such measures?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 29)
Reply:
The CAD accepts the recommendations made by the Audit Commission regarding the
administration of the air traffic control and related services. The CAD has accordingly
taken follow-up actions as appropriate. Details of the actions were reported to the
Legislative Council as included in the Government Minute in response to the PAC Report
No. 63A and No. 64 on 28 October 2015.
Ensuring aviation safety and expeditious air traffic management is the topmost priority of
the CAD. The CAD has conducted stringent acceptance tests and comprehensive safety
assessment on the new ATC systems in accordance with international aviation safety
management standards and established Government procedures, to ensure that the systems
operation is in compliance with the contract conditions and safety requirements. Seven out
of the eight major systems of the new ATC systems have been put into use by phases since
2013. For the remaining Air Traffic Management System (ATMS), all the acceptance test
events have been completed in September 2015 in accordance with the requirements
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 1
specified in the contract. The CAD is generally satisfied with the test results with all
outstanding priority items addressed by the system supplier.
With air traffic safety being paramount concern, both the CAD and the Transport and
Housing Bureau have appointed independent consultants to further ensure the safety,
reliability, stability and system and staff readiness of the new ATC systems operations.
According to the independent consultants’ assessment, the ATMS is safe, stable and reliable
and in line with good practice in other ATC centres overseas. According to current
progress and subject to further review on system and staff readiness by the independent
consultant, the new ATMS should be ready for operation by June 2016 to handle live air
traffic in a progressive and phased manner.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)214
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4687)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (5) Air Services and Safety Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the provision of support for the negotiation and implementation of Hong Kong’s
air services agreements under this Programme, please advise this Committee of the
following:
(1) What were the ports added or suspended in each of the past three years by type of
traffic right?
(2) What are the number of ongoing negotiations on air services agreements and their
details as of December 2015?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 101)
Reply:
(1) Every year, ports are being added or suspended subject to an airline’s network
planning and market strategy. In the past three years, the number of new and
suspended ports is tabulated as follows. It should be noted that a decision to add or
suspend ports may not be related to the availability of traffic rights, and may be due to
airlines’ commercial considerations.
New Ports
Type of
traffic right
2013
2014
2015
Third/Forth
freedom1
1. Da Nang
2. Guadalajara
3. Hohhot
4. Hulunbeier
5. Irkutsk
1. Calgary
2. Huangshan
3. Indianapolis
4. Kagoshima
5. Mexico City
1. Boston
2. Changzhou
3. Cheongju
4. Davao
5. Detroit
1 In respect of scheduled international air services, third/fourth freedom right refers to the right or
privilege granted by one Party to another Party to put down and to take on, in the territory of the
first Party, traffic coming from or destined to the home state/region of the carrier.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 3
6. Mahe Island
7. Wuyishan
8. Yangon
6. Minneapolis
7. Udon Thani
8. Washington
9. Xishuangbanna
10.Yekaterinburg
6. Dusseldorf
7. Hiroshima
8. Kalibo
9. Krabi
10. Kumamoto
11. Lanzhou City
12. Luoyang
13. Miyazaki
14. Nha Trang
15. Stockholm
16. Xining
17. Yiwu
Fifth
freedom2
1. Chittagong
2. Lagos
3. Muscat
4. Vienna
5. Yerevan
1. Ashgabat
2. Beirut
3. Hahn
4. Maastricht
5. Turkmenbashi
Total: 13 10 22
Suspended Ports
Type of
traffic right
2013
2014
2015
Third/Forth
freedom
1. Boston
2. Cheongju
3. Denver
4. Detroit
5. Hahn
6. London Gatwick
7. Lanzhou City
8. Shenzhen
9. Urumqi
1. Charleston
2. Hulunbeier
3. Islamabad
4. Kalibo
5. Luoyang
6. Moscow Vnukovo
7. Stockholm
1. Karachi
2. Krasnoyarsk
3. London Stansted
4. Minneapolis
5. Yichang
Fifth
freedom
1. Cairo
1. Beirut
2. Kabul
3. Komatsu
4. Kozhikode
5. Tbilisi
6. Thiruvananthapuram
7. Yerevan
1. Ciudad del Este
2. Lagos
3. Milan Bergamo
Total: 10 14 8
2 In respect of scheduled international air services, fifth freedom rights refer to the right or
privilege granted by one Party to another Party to put down and to take on, in the territory of the
first State, traffic coming from or destined to a third Party.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 4
(2) The Government has been progressively liberalising our air services regime with a
view to expanding Hong Kong’s aviation network and strengthening our status as an
international hub and the primary gateway to the Mainland. As of December 2015,
Hong Kong has signed Air Services Agreements with 64 aviation partners. We shall
seek to further liberalise existing air services agreements / arrangements and to
negotiate new air services agreements / arrangements with other aviation partners as
opportunities arise.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)215
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4688)
Head: (28) Civil Aviation Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air Traffic Management
Controlling Officer: Director-General of Civil Aviation (Norman LO)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the recruitment and training of air traffic control staff, please advise this
Committee of:
(1) the number of air traffic control staff estimated to be recruited this year (including the
respective numbers of these recruits for filling the vacancies from officers leaving the
service and for new posts created to cope with the increasing workload) and the
expenditure involved;
(2) the attrition rate of the Student Air Traffic Control Officers (SATCO) recruited in each
of the past three years (2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16) (please provide a breakdown
by the number of recruits and year); and
(3) the differences between the conditions of service for the Air Traffic Control Officer II
(ATCO II) recruited from overseas and promoted locally in the past two years
(2014-15 and 2015-16), and the ratio of local and overseas staff at the rank of ATCO
II and higher ranks.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 102)
Reply:
(1) To fill anticipated vacancies as a result of wastage in the Air Traffic Control Officer
(ATCO) grade, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) plans to recruit three ATCO
IIIs/SATCOs in 2016-17. The expenditure involved in terms of notional annual
mid-point salary value is $1.3 million.
(2) In the past three years, a total of 29 SATCOs were appointed to fill vacancies in the
ATCO grade (all in 2013-14). Two officers subsequently resigned, representing
6.9% of the 29 SATCOs recruited.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 6
(3) The CAD has not recruited any ATCO II from overseas in the past two years (2014-15
and 2015-16). The salary scale for the ATCO II is the same regardless of whether
they are local or expatriate officers. At present, the CAD has eight officers on
overseas agreement terms and 148 local officers at ATCO II and above ranks. The
ratio of overseas to local officers ranked at ATCO II is 1:18.5.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)216
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4016)
Head: (33) Civil Engineering and Development Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Port and Marine Facilities
Controlling Officer: Director of Civil Engineering and Development
(Daniel K W CHUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: Regarding the continuing of the planning, design and construction of various projects for
improving port and marine facilities under this programme, please advise this Committee:
In 2014-15, the Government submitted funding application to this Committee for the
additional floors works at Central Piers Nos. 4, 5 and 6. After the adjournment of debate
on this item, the Government has not yet provided any further follow-up information on the
additional floors works at Central Piers Nos. 4, 5 and 6. Please inform this Committee of
the present situation of this item, and whether funding application will be made to this
Committee again. Asked by: Hon James TO Kun-sun (Member Question No. 72) Reply: According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below: When the proposal on the construction of additional floors at Central Piers Nos. 4, 5 and 6
was submitted to the Public Works Subcommittee under the Finance Committee in
mid-2013, Members expressed concerns about matters relating to rental returns, as well as
operation and management issues. These matters are being looked into. Progress will be
reported to the Panel on Transport at its meeting on 15 April 2016 together with the
outcome of the mid-term review on the provision of Special Helping Measures to the six
major outlying island ferry routes for the current three-year licence period.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)217
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4660)
Head: (33) Civil Engineering and Development Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Provision of Land and Infrastructure
Controlling Officer: Director of Civil Engineering and Development
(Daniel K W CHUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding “continue the detailed design of Trunk Road T2” and the overall Route 6 works:
(a) What is the completion time of the Trunk Road T2 detailed design anticipated by the
Government? And when will the funding application be submitted to the
Legislative Council (LegCo)? Whether the Government expects that Trunk Road
T2 can tie in with the completion dates of the remaining parts of Route 6?
(b) At present, what is the progress of the overall Route 6 project (including Central
Kowloon Route (CKR), Trunk Road T2, Tseung Kwan O - Lam Tin Tunnel)? For
various tunnels and by estimation, when will the funding application be made, the
works be commenced and completed?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 19)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
In June 2011, the Highways Department (HyD) commissioned the detailed design for the
CKR project, which is now ongoing. The HyD is actively planning the CKR project for its
early implementation. The construction of the CKR project takes approximately over
seven years.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 4 9 9
After finalising the estimate of the project cost, the Transport and Housing Bureau and the
HyD will consult the LegCo on its funding application, and seek approval from the Finance
Committee when appropriate.
As for the Trunk Road T2, the detailed design of its main works will continue in 2016-17
and is targeted for substantial completion by around end-2017. Upon completion of the
detailed design, we will be able to work out the estimated project cost and programme of the
Trunk Road T2. As the Trunk Road T2 is the middle section of the strategic Route 6, we
will seek funding approval from the LegCo in a timely manner for the construction of the
project to tie in with the completion date of the CKR.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)218
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4690)
Head: (33) Civil Engineering and Development Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Provision of Land and Infrastructure
Controlling Officer: Director of Civil Engineering and Development
(Daniel K W CHUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding “Matters Requiring Special Attention in 2016-17”, please advise this Committee
about the following road works items: (i) description of work and expected progress in
2016-17; (ii) anticipated completion dates; and (iii) total contract value and payment
involved in the items –
(a) detailed design of Trunk Road T2; and
(b) detailed design and site investigation for the widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin
section)
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 105)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The detailed design of the main works of Trunk Road T2 will continue in 2016-17 and is
targeted for substantial completion by around end-2017. The estimated total cost for the
site investigation and design of Trunk Road T2 (under Public Works Programme (PWP)
Item 7841TH) is about $133.6 million. As at end-March 2016, the cumulative expenditure
is about $70.3 million.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 1
As for the widening of Tai Po Road (Sha Tin section) - detailed design and site
investigation (PWP Item 7869TH), detailed design of the project commenced in December
2015. The site investigation works are expected to commence in mid-2016. Both the
detailed design and site investigation works are scheduled for completion by end-2017.
The estimated cost of the detailed design and site investigation works for the project is
about $43.2 million (in money-of-the-day prices). As at end-March 2016, the cumulative
expenditure is about $0.89 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)219
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4614)
Head: (42) Electrical and Mechanical Services Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Mechanical Installations Safety
Controlling Officer: Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (CHAN Fan)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, the Department will enhance safety inspection and supervision of railway
service provided by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL). On this aspect, please
advise this Committee:
(a) The number of inspections for each railway line from 2015 up to end February 2016;
and
(b) In each year from 2015 to end February 2016, the number of inspections conducted by
the staff members of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and
other government departments on various parts (including tracks, trains, overhead
lines, signalling systems, etc.) of the railway system, the departments responsible for
the inspections, the details of inspections and the standards adopted.
Asked by: Hon Michael TIEN Puk-sun (Member Question No. 59)
Reply:
(a) The number of inspections conducted by the EMSD for each railway line (existing and
under construction) from 2015 up to end February 2016 are set out below:
Number of Inspections
2015 2016
up to end February
Existing Railway Lines
Island Line 21 3
Kwun Tong Line 27 1
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 3
Number of Inspections
2015 2016
up to end February
Tsuen Wan Line 13 3
Tseung Kwan O Line 10 2
East Rail Line
21 1
West Rail Line 10 2
Ma On Shan Line 6 0
Airport Express Line/Tung Chung Line/
Disneyland Resort Line
26 3
Light Rail 10 3
Automated People Mover in the Airport 4 1
New Railway Projects
West Island Line 3 2
Kwun Tong Line Extension 7 5
South Island Line (East) 14 3
Shatin to Central Link 31 7
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express
Rail Link (Hong Kong section)
5 0
Total: 208 36
(b) The EMSD is the statutory regulatory authority on railway safety. It adopts a
risk-based approach in monitoring the safety of the MTR service. The EMSD will
step up inspections on the safety-critical components of the railway system, railway
equipment with higher safety risks, or facilities with higher rates of failure. Under
the Mass Transit Railway Ordinance (Cap 556) and the Mass Transit Railway
Regulation (Cap 556A), the EMSD may enter the railway premises of the MTRCL to
conduct inspection for the sake of ensuring railway safety and investigation of railway
incidents; and request the MTRCL to submit information or documents.
To ensure that its maintenance work is in line with international standard, the MTRCL
has formulated guidelines in respect of the maintenance of different railway
components on the basis of the standards recognised by the international railway
industry or recommended by railway component manufacturers. In the course of
inspection, the EMSD will examine, in particular, whether the MTRCL has strictly
adhered to these established guidelines in performing the maintenance work, and will
look through the work log of maintenance staff of the MTRCL. Besides, the EMSD
will conduct functional tests on high risk components (particularly safety-critical
components) to ensure normal operation.
The inspection figures for various components of railway systems by the EMSD
personnel from 2015 up to end February 2016 are set out below:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 4
Year Tracks Trains
Power Supply
(including overhead
lines)
Signalling system
Others (including
platform screen doors, electrical and mechanical
equipment)
2015 53 83 64 51 83
2016 (up to end February)
6 12 14 8 21
To enhance safety inspection and supervision of railway service provided by the
MTRCL and its implementation of new railway projects, the Government has
enhanced the manpower of the EMSD through the creation of 11 new posts in its
Railways Branch starting from 2015-16. Nine of these new posts are professional or
technical grade posts, two of which are Chief Engineers at the directorate level.
Since the creation of these new posts, the EMSD has stepped up its inspection of the
railway system and strategically deployed its resources to cope with the increasing
service need in various areas on a need basis. For instance, in order to suit the
programme of the new railway projects, the EMSD has purposely increased its
inspection frequency in the first two months of 2016. For the inspection by railway
lines as indicated in part (a), the total number of inspections carried out by the EMSD
from January to February 2016 is 36, which is more than double of the figures within
the same period of time in 2015 (15 inspections in total). For the inspection by
various parts of the railway system as indicated in part (b), the total number of
inspections carried out by the EMSD from January to February 2016 is 61, three times
the number within the same period of time in 2015 (20 inspections in total). It is
envisaged that following the completion of some new railway projects in 2016, the
number of inspections conducted each month will be suitably adjusted so that the
resources can be deployed to other areas e.g. auditing of railway safety systems.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)220
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5441)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Highways Department (HyD) will provide barrier-free access (BFA) facilities for
public footbridges, elevated walkways and subways under the Universal Accessibility (UA)
Programme for the convenience of the public. What are the items under the UA
Programme that are completed, in construction and under planning after the commencement
of the programme. Please provide a breakdown by location of works, time, expenditure,
manpower and the engineering companies involved.
Asked by: Hon CHAN Chi-chuen (Member Question No. 200)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The Government has been installing BFA facilities at public walkways (i.e. public
footbridges, elevated walkways and subways maintained by the Highways Department
(HyD)) for a number of years (the Original Programme) on the recommendation of the
Equal Opportunities Commission. The implementation of 150 items under the Original
Programme continues in the past three years, with most of the items anticipated for
progressive completion by 2018 as scheduled. As at 29 February 2016, 29 items have
been completed, 91 items are under construction, and 13 items are anticipated to commence
in 2016-17. The construction works for the remaining 17 items will commence as soon as
possible upon completion of detailed design and obtaining of support from the relevant
District Councils (DCs).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 6
In August 2012, the Government launched the new UA Programme to further enhance the
BFA facilities for existing public walkways maintained by the HyD. Installation of lifts at
about 250 public walkways was proposed by the public. In the first half of 2013, we
invited all the 18 DCs to prioritise the new items in their districts proposed by the public.
Each DC selected three public walkways for priority implementation (the Expanded
Programme). The implementation of these priority items under the Expanded Programme
is well underway. Most of the retrofitting works items are anticipated for completion from
2017 to 2018 in phases. As at 29 February 2016, 49 priority items are under construction,
seven priority items are anticipated to commence construction in 2016-17 and one priority
item will commence construction as soon as possible upon completion of the investigation
and design works, and obtaining of support from the DC concerned.
Fifteen works contracts have so far been awarded under the UA Programme to 13
contractors (i.e. Hing Fu Engineering Co Ltd; Peako Engineering Co Ltd - Concentric
Construction Ltd Joint Venture; Sum Kee Construction Ltd; Granville Civil Ltd; Sun Fook
Kong (Civil) Ltd; China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd; Dix Construction & Transportation
Construction Co Ltd - Vernaltex Company Ltd Joint Venture; Kwan On Construction Co
Ltd - China Geo Engineering Corporation Joint Venture; Kwan On Construction Co Ltd;
Chun Wo Construction & Engineering Co. Ltd.; and China Road and Bridge Corporation).
The HyD engages consultants to carry out the design and supervise the construction and
deploys existing staff resources to oversee the implementation of the projects.
The expenditure on the UA Programme in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 was
$232.2 million, $554.3 million and $720.9 million (estimated) respectively, covering the
costs for conducting technical feasibility studies / investigation works, design, construction
works and supervision of construction. The estimated expenditure in 2016-17 is
$788.7 million.
The list of projects under the UA Programme and their present status is as follows:
Original Programme:
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
Central & Western District
HS3 Across Cotton Tree Drive near Murray
Building
Under construction
HF37 Along Connaught Road Central near
Exchange Square
Under construction
HF91 Across Connaught Road Central between
Infinitus Plaza and Rumsey Street
Multi-storey Car Park Building
Under construction
HF119 Across Connaught Road Central near
Waterfront Police Station
Under construction
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 7
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
HF152 Across Harcourt Road near Citic Tower Under construction
HF93 At Man Po Street near Pier Road Under construction
HF118 Across Connaught Road Central near Shun
Tak Centre and Western Market
Under construction
HF118A Across Connaught Road Central near Shun
Tak Centre and Western Market
Under construction
HF137 Across Connaught Road Central near
Pottinger Street
Under construction
HF81 Across Pok Fu Lam Road near The
University of Hong Kong
Under design
HF40 Across Cotton Tree Drive near Lippo Centre Under design
Eastern District
HS17 Across Island Eastern Corridor near Hong
Kong Film Archive
Completed
HF78 Across Island Eastern Corridor and Chai Wan
Road near Chai Wan Road Roundabout
Under construction
H162 King's Road Flyover across Kornhill Road Under construction
HF90 Across King's Road and Tin Chiu Street Under design
HF90A Across King's Road and Tin Chiu Street Under construction
Southern District
HS16 Across Aberdeen Praya Road near Old Main
Street
Completed
HF134 Across Aberdeen Praya Road and Yue Shi
Cheung Road
Completed
HS7 Across Shek Pai Wan Road near Wah Fu
Estate
Completed
HF59 Along Island Road at Deep Water Bay Completed
HS13 Across Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road near Shan
Ming Street and San Shi Street
Under construction
HS13A Across Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road near Shan
Ming Street and San Shi Street
Completed
H115 Across Wong Chuk Hang Road to Toll Gate
of Aberdeen Tunnel
Under construction
H116 Wong Chuk Hang Road near Nam Fung
Road
Under construction
H107 Ap Lei Chau Bridge from Aberdeen to Ap
Lei Chau
Under construction
Wan Chai District
HF56 Across Tonnochy Road and Harbour Road
near Sun Hung Kai Centre
Under construction
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 8
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
HF117 Across Tonnochy Road and Harbour Road
near Sun Hung Kai Centre
Completed
HF35 Across Harbour Road near Harbour Drive Completed
HF57 Across Fleming Road near Harbour Road Completed
HF65 Across Gloucester Road near Central Plaza Completed
HF95 Across O'Brien Road and Hennessy Road
near Wan Chai MTR Station
Under construction
HF160 Across Gloucester Road near Central Plaza Completed
HF2 Across Gloucester Road near Luk Kwok
Hotel
Under construction
HF2A Across Gloucester Road near Luk Kwok
Hotel
Under construction
HS10 Across Wong Nai Chung Road and Queen’s
Road East
Under construction
HF144 Across Gloucester Road and Tonnochy Road Under construction
HF106 Across Harbour Road and Convention
Avenue near Arts Centre
Under design
HF145 Across Gloucester Road and Fenwick Street Under design
HF25 Across Queen's Road East near Wan Chai
Park and Wah Yan College
Under design
HF113 Across a slip road from Cross Harbour
Tunnel to Gloucester Road near Hung Hing
Road Flyover
Under design
HF116 Across Gloucester Road near Stewart Road Under design
Kowloon City District
KF25 Across Waterloo Road near Suffolk Road Completed
KF6 Across Princess Margaret Road near Wylie
Road and Oi Man Estate
Under construction
K21 Cheong Wan Road between On Wan Road
and Hung Hom Road South
Under construction
KS9 Across Prince Edward Road West at
Kowloon City Interchange
Under design
KS23 Across East Rail Line Track near Surrey
Lane and Dianthus Road
Under design
KF29 Across Kowloon City Road and San Shan
Road
Under design
KS32 Across Ma Tau Chung Road near Olympic
Avenue and Kowloon City Interchange
Under design
KS10 Across Prince Edward Road East and Ma Tau
Chung Road near Tak Ku Ling Road
Under construction
KS41 Across Chatham Road North near Winslow
Street
Under design
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 0 9
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
Kwun Tong District
KF71 At Lam Tin Bus Terminus and Lam Tin MTR
Station near Sceneway Garden
Completed
KF44 Across Hip Wo Street near Cheung Wo Court Under construction
KF48 Across Ngau Tau Kok Road and Chun Wah
Road near Chun Wah Court
Under construction
KS27 Across Shun Ching Street near San Lee Street
and Shun Lee Estate
Under design
K50 Across New Clear Water Bay Road at Shun
Lee Tsuen Road
Under construction
KF83 Across Lin Tak Road near Hing Tin Street Under construction
KF128 Across Kwun Tong Road from Kowloon Bay
MTR Station to Choi Wan Road
Under construction
Sham Shui Po District
KS47 Across Tai Po Road near Pei Ho Street Completed
KF10 Across Lai Chi Kok Road near Cheung Shun
Street
Under construction
KF43 Across Nam Cheong Street near Chak On
Estate
Completed
KF32 Across Cheung Sha Wan Road near Fat
Tseung Street
Completed
KS25 Across Cheung Sha Wan Road near Kweilin
Street
Under construction
KF13 Across Lung Cheung Road near Beacon
Heights
Under design
Wong Tai Sin District
KF57 Across Lung Cheung Road near Tin Ma
Court
Under construction
KS7 Across Lung Cheung Road near Choi Hung
MTR Station
Under construction
KS17 Across a slip road from Po Kong Village
Road Southbound to Tai Hom Road
Under construction
KS35 Across Prince Edward Road East near San Po
Kong Interchange
Under design
KS12 Across Choi Hung Road at Lok Sin Road Under design
K36 At Po Kong Village Road over Lung Cheung
Road
Under design
K8 Along Fung Mo Street over Lung Cheung
Road
Under design
Yau Tsim Mong District
KS40 Across Nathan Road near Bute Street Completed
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 0
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
KS2 Across Chatham Road South near Gun Club
Hill Barracks
Under construction
KS29 Across a slip road of Chatham Road South
near Gascoigne Road and Hong Kong Girl
Guides Headquarters
Completed
KS30 Across Hong Cheong Road near Chatham
Road Interchange
Completed
KS31 Across Chatham Road South near The Hong
Kong Polytechnic University and Chatham
Road Interchange
Under construction
KF3 Across Hong Chong Road and Salisbury
Road near Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel
Under construction
KF82 Across Chatham Road South and Granville
Road near Hong Kong Science Museum
Under construction
KF27 Across Argyle Street near Yim Po Fong
Street and Luen Wan Street
Under construction
KF84 Along Science Museum Path across Science
Museum Road and Hong Tat Path
Under construction
KF2 Across Toll Plaza of Cross Harbour Tunnel
near Cheong Wan Road
Under construction
KS49 Across Jordan Road near Canton Road and
Ferry Street
Under construction
KF54 Across Luen Wan Street near Waterworks
Depot
Under design
Kwai Tsing District
NF106 Across Tsing Yi Heung Sze Wui Road near
Vigor Industrial Building
Completed
NS19 Across Ching Hong Road near Mayfair
Gardens
Completed
NS89 Across Tsing Yi Road near Cheung Ching
Estate
Under construction
NS126 Across Kwai Fuk Road near Shing Fuk Street Under construction
NF185 Across Tsuen Wan Road and Kwai Hei Street
near Kwai Fuk Road
Under construction
NF286 Across Hing Fong Road and Kwai Fuk Road
to Kwai Tsing Interchange
Under construction
NF1 Across Kwai Chung Road near Kwai Fong
Estate
Under construction
NS1 Across Kwai Chung Road near Princess
Margaret Hospital
Under construction
NS1A Across Kwai Chung Road near Princess
Margaret Hospital
Under construction
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 1
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
N798 At Flyover of Kwai Tsing Road across Kwai
Tai Road
Under construction
NS10 Across Tsuen Wan Road near Lai King Estate Under construction
N546 Tsing Tsuen Bridge Under design
North District
NF122 Across Choi Yuen Road and San Wan Road
near Pak Wo Road
Completed
NF84 Across Choi Yuen Road near Sheung Shui
Station and Choi Yuk House of Choi Yuen
Estate
Under construction
NS49A Across Jockey Club Road near Sha Tau Kok
Road Roundabout
Under construction
NF296 Across Lung Sum Avenue near San Fat Street Under construction
NF83 Across East Rail Line Track along Fanling
Highway near Pak Wo Road and Wo Hing
Road
Under construction
NF180 Across East Rail Line Track along Fanling
Highway near Pak Wo Road and Wo Hing
Road
Under construction
NF96 Across San Wan Road and Fanling Station
Road near San Wan Road Roundabout
Under construction
NF227 Across San Wan Road and Fanling Station
Road near San Wan Road Roundabout
Under construction
NF212 Across Wo Hing Road near Wah Ming Road Under construction
NF247 Across Pak Wo Road near Wai Ming Street Under construction
NF76 Across Jockey Club Road near Tin Ping
Estate
Under construction
NF104 Across Fanling Highway and San Wan Road Under design
NS106 Across Fanling Highway near Tai Tau Leng Under design
Sai Kung District
NS98 Across Clear Water Bay Road near Tseng
Lan Shue
Under construction
Sha Tin District
NS38 Across Tai Po Road near Fo Tan Road Completed
NS28A Across Fo Tan Road near Yuen Wo Road Under construction
NF40 Across Tai Po Road - Sha Tin near Wo Che
Street
Under design
NF71 At Tai Po Road - Sha Tin over Sha Tin MTR
Station near Tin Liu
Under design
NF74 Across Lion Rock Tunnel Road near Fung
Shing Court
Under design
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 2
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
NF89 Across Sha Tin Wai Road near Sha Kok
Street
Under construction
NS175 Across a slip road from Tolo Highway to
Chak Cheung Street near Sui Cheung Street
Under design
Tai Po District
NS61 Across East Rail Line Track between Tai Po
Road – Tai Wo and Tai Po Tau Drive
Completed
NS69 Across Tai Po Road - Yuen Chau Tsai and
Nam Wan Road near Kwong Fuk Road
Under construction
NS70 Across Tai Po Road - Yuen Chau Tsai and
Nam Wan Road near Kwong Fuk Road
Under construction
NF97 Across Tai Po Tai Wo Road and Lam Tsuen
River near Tai Po Centre
Under construction
NF266 Across Ting Kok Road near Tung Leung
Lane
Under construction
NS75 Across Nam Wan Road between Kwong Fuk
Road and Plover Cove Road
Under construction
NF78 Across Fanling Highway near Tai Hang Fui
Sha Wai between Hong Lok Yuen and Tai
Hang
Under construction
NF81 Across East Rail Line Track near Kiu Tau Under construction
NF444 Across Nam Wan Road near Wan Tau Tong
Estate
Under construction
NF132 Across Nam Wan Road near Tai Po Centre
and Sun Hing Garden
Under construction
NS77 Across Tai Po Tai Wo Road near Nam Wan
Road
Under construction
NF80 Across East Rail Line Track near Yuen Leng Under design
NF82 Across East Rail Line Track near Tai Wo
Service Road East and Tong Hang
Under design
NS139 Across Yuen Shin Road near Ting Kok Road
and Dai Fuk Street
Under construction
NS145 Across Fanling Highway near Tai Po Road -
Tai Wo
Under construction
Tuen Mun District
NS108 Across a slip road from Tsing Wun Road to
Wong Chu Road
Completed
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 3
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
NF31 Across Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak
Road – San Hui near Hoh Fuk Tong Light
Rail Station
Under construction
NS99 Across Tsing Wun Road near Yip Wong Road Under construction
NF127 Across Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road from
Tuen Mun Park to Tuen Wui Street and Tuen
Mun Cultural Square
Under construction
NF206 Across Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road from
Tuen Mun Park to Tuen Wui Street and Tuen
Mun Cultural Square
Under construction
NF114 Across Tsing Wun Road near Hong Kong
Institute of Vocational Education (Tuen
Mun)
Under construction
NF100A Across Wu King Road connecting Wu King
Estate and Wu Hong Clinic near Wu Hong
Street
Under construction
NF101 Across Wu Shan Road near Wu King Road Under construction
NF407 At Tuen Mun Road connecting Bridge N874
near South Public Transport Interchange of
Siu Hong West Rail Station
Under construction
Tsuen Wan District
NF87 Across Tsuen Wan MTR Depot near Mega
Trade Centre
Completed
NF109 Across Castle Peak Road near Fou Wah
Centre
Completed
NF108 Across Castle Peak Road - Tsuen Wan near
Nan Fung Centre
Completed
NF167 Across Tai Chung Road near Sha Tsui Road Under construction
NF311 Across Castle Peak Road - Tsuen Wan near
Tsuen Wan Town Square
Under construction
NF248 Across Shing Mun Road near Castle Peak
Road – Tsuen Wan
Under construction
NF234 Across Yeung Uk Road and Texaco Road Under construction
TS8 Across North Lantau Highway near Lantau
Toll Plaza Administration Building
Under construction
Yuen Long District
NS199 Across Tin Yin Road near Shui Lung House
of Tin Shui Estate
Completed
NF245 Across Fuk Hi Street near Wang Lok Street Under construction
NS7A Across Castle Peak Road – Hung Shui Kiu
Section at Hung Shui Kiu Light Rail Station
Under design
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 4
Expanded Programme:
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
Central & Western District
HF142 Across Connaught Road West leading to
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park
Under construction
HF46 Across Possession Street near Lower
Lascar Row
Under construction
HF135 Along Cochrane Street near Tun Wo Lane Under construction
Eastern District
HF63 Across Chai Wan Road near Shan Tsui
Court
Under construction
HF163 Across Siu Sai Wan Road near Harmony
Road
Under construction
HF92 & HF92A Across Island Eastern Corridor near
Quarry Bay Park
Under construction
Southern District
HF104 Across Aberdeen Praya Road near Nam
Ning Street
Under design
HF105 Across Aberdeen Praya Road near Ocean
Court
Under construction
H186 Elevated walkway connecting Tin Wan
Praya Road and Tin Wan Hill Road
Under construction
Wan Chai District
HF85 At the Junction of Yee Wo Street,
Pennington Street and Sugar Street
Under construction
HF154 Across Gloucester Road and Percival
Street near Sino Plaza
Under construction
HS9 Across Canal Road East near Sports Road Under construction
Kowloon City District
K14 Pui Ching Road Flyover across Princess
Margaret Road
Under construction
KF102 Across Hung Hom South Road near Hung
Ling Street and Whampoa Street
Under construction
KF106 Across Hung Hom South Road near Hung
Hom Road
Under design
Kwun Tong District
KS56 Across Kwun Tong Road near Ting On
Street
Under construction
KF90 Across Lei Yue Mun Road near Tsui Ping
Road
Under construction
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 5
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
KF109 Across Shun Lee Tsuen Road near Shun
Lee Estate Park
Under design
Sham Shui Po District
KF69 Across Lai Chi Kok Road and Tonkin
Street
Under design
KS52 Across Tat Chee Avenue near To Yuen
Street
Under planning
KF97 Across Tai Po Road near Tai Wo Ping
Road
Under design
Wong Tai Sin District
KF56 Across New Clear Water Bay Road near
Choi Wan Commercial Complex Phase II
Under design
KF58 Across Lung Cheung Road near Ma Chai
Hang Road
Under construction
KF76 Across Fung Tak Road and Lung Poon
Street
Under design
Yau Tsim Mong District
KF88 Across Ferry Street and Waterloo Road
along West Kowloon Highway
Under construction
KF89 Across Ferry Street at Junction of Dundas
Street
Under construction
KF94 Across Cherry Street, Ferry Street and
Tong Mei Road
Under construction
Islands District
NF332 Across Yu Tung Road near Tung Chung
Ha Ling Pei
Under construction
NF328 Across Yu Tung Road and Chung Yan
Road
Under construction
NS230 Across Shun Tung Road near Lantau
North Police Station
Under construction
Kwai Tsing District
NF51 Across Castle Peak Road - Kwai Chung
Section near Wo Yi Hop Road
Under construction
NF72A Across Kwai Foo Road near Kwai Yi
Road
Under construction
NF229 Across Junction of Castle Peak Road -
Kwai Chung, Kwai Chung Road and Lei
Muk Road
Under construction
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 6
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
North District
NF134 Across Fanling Highway near Fanling
MTR Station
Under construction
NS51 & NS128 Across Jockey Club Road near Tin Mei
House, Tin Ping Estate and Chi Shun
Lane
Under construction
NF295 Across San Wan Road near Landmark
North
Under construction
Sai Kung District
NF193 Across Po Lam Road North near Lam
Shing Road
Under construction
NF309 Across Po Ning Road near Po Shun Road Under construction
NF336 Across Tong Ming Street near Sheung
Tak Shopping Centre
Under construction
Sha Tin District
NF73 Connecting Pai Tau Street and Sha Tin
MTR Station
Under construction
NS287 Across Ma On Shan Road and Hang Tai
Road near Ma On Shan Rail Tai Shui
Hang Station
Under construction
NF316 Across roundabout at Che Kung Miu
Road and Mei Tin Road
Under construction
Tai Po District
NS87 Across On Po Road near Nam Wan Road
and Sun Hing Garden
Under construction
NF156 Across Tai Po Road - Yuen Chau Tsai
near Kwong Fuk Estate
Under construction
NF191 Across Ting Kok Road connecting Tai
Yuen Estate and Fu Heng Estate
Under construction
Tuen Mun District
NS42 Across Tuen Hing Road near Tuen Mun
Road
Under construction
NF174 Across Tuen Mun Road connecting Tsing
Hang Path and San Wo Lane
Under construction
NF315 Across Lung Mun Road near Lung Mun
Light Rail Station
Under construction
Tsuen Wan District
NF288 At Sai Lau Kok Road near Exit A of
Tsuen Wan MTR Station
Under construction
NF186 Across Tai Chung Road near Heung Che
Street
Under construction
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 7
Highways
Department
Structure No.
Location Present Status
NF251 Across Yeung Uk Road and Ma Tau Pa
Road
Under construction
Yuen Long District
NF148 & NF306 Connecting Yuen Long Plaza and Long
Ping West Rail Station
Under construction
NF305 Across Castle Peak Road and Long Lok
Road near Yuen Long West Rail Station
Under construction
NF376 Across Ping Ha Road near Exit B of Tin
Shui Wai West Rail Station
Under construction
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)221
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3508)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(a) What is the respective progress of various works of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and
the Island Eastern Corridor Link (CWB) project (including the construction works
under the Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII) and Central Reclamation Phase III)?
Is the progress in line with the anticipated construction schedule of the Highways
Department (HyD) prior to the commencement of the works?
(b) There are a significant number of trees in the Victoria Park affected by the Island
Eastern Corridor Link works, which are required to be transplanted. What is the
current progress and expenditure of the relevant works? Please provide the quantities
of trees to be transplanted, at plant nurseries and having been transplanted, and the
survival rates.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 160)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
(a) The CWB project is implemented by a package of 13 contracts. All these contracts
have been awarded and six of them have already been completed, while the remaining
seven contracts are in active progress. As at end-March 2016, the overall completion
rate is about 71%.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 1 9
The CWB project is a large-scale and complex road infrastructure project. It has
encountered various difficulties and challenges since construction commenced in
2009, which affected the progress of works. The CWB tunnel structure for a part of
the trunk road, which is a major part of the CWB, has been entrusted by the HyD to be
carried out under the WDII project of the Civil Engineering and Development
Department (CEDD). The large metal object that was previously found at the seabed
of the WDII works site caused suspension of reclamation and associated works in the
area. After the reclamation works resumed in early July 2015, the CEDD notified the
HyD of the revised site handing over schedule after the recommencement of works.
The CEDD estimated that the section concerned of the CWB tunnel could only be
completed for handing over to the HyD’s contractor for carrying out the subsequent
works in mid-2017. As such, the HyD anticipated that the related subsequent works
such as installing electrical and mechanical facilities (including a traffic control and
surveillance system, a tunnel ventilation system, a lighting system and a fire services
system), laying road pavement and carrying out system testing and commissioning
could not be completed within the same year. In other words, the CWB could not be
commissioned in 2017 as originally scheduled.
The HyD and the CEDD, together with their consulting engineers and resident site
staff, will continue to closely monitor the works progress of the CWB project, and will
duly assess the schedule of works with a view to commissioning the CWB as early as
possible.
(b) The progress of the tree transplanting works in the Victoria Park is satisfactory. As at
end-February 2016, a total of 235 trees have been transplanted to a holding nursery
before their transplanting back into the Victoria Park, while 56 trees have been
transplanted to other suitable locations in the Victoria Park. The survival rate of the
transplanted trees is about 95%. The estimated cost for the tree transplanting works
in the Victoria Park is about $21 million.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 2 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)222
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3509)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(a) What is the progress of the Pound Lane escalator project? Please provide the
breakdown of the expenses on this project until now.
(b) Does the Department plan to launch a public consultation exercise in respect of the
enhanced scheme? If yes, what are the detailed work plan and estimated expenses?
If no, what are the reasons?
(c) According to the estimation of the Government, when can a formal decision be made
on whether to implement the above project, and to submit the project cost, future
maintenance and repair cost and schedule of works; and a decision on whether to
submit application to the Legislative Council Finance Committee for the allocation
required in respect of the project cost?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 161)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The Pound Lane escalator project is currently under investigation. After analysing the
public views received on the original scheme of the Pound Lane escalator project, the
Highways Department (HyD) developed a preliminary refined scheme to address public
concerns, and consulted the Central and Western District Council in January 2015 and held
a public forum in April 2015. The consultant has been reviewing the comments received.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 2 1
In the meantime, a pedestrian survey was conducted in the Pound Lane area in end January
2016 to assess the latest pedestrian flow situation after the opening of the Sai Ying Pun
MTR Station. The consultant is analysing the results of the survey. The Government
remains open to the views of the public and would take into account all relevant information
before deciding on the way forward for the project.
The implementation timetable and the estimated project cost will be worked out when a
broad consensus on the way forward is reached.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 2 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)223
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3510)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) District and Maintenance Works
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Over the past two years, how many complaints related to road subsidence or uneven ground
surface on Bonham Road did the Government receive each year? Please provide a
breakdown by details of cases, cause of subsidence, number of casualties and repair costs.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 162)
Reply:
Over the past two years, the Highways Department did not receive any report on road
subsidence on Bonham Road, but received seven complaints on uneven footpath of the road.
All of them were due to wear and tear of paving blocks. No injury or death was reported.
The cost of the maintenance works is about $3,500.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 2 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)224
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5855)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) District and Maintenance Works
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the complaints relating to cycle tracks that various regions of the Highways
Department (HyD) received from members of the public or other government departments
last year, what were the respective numbers of complaints and the subject matters
concerned? What were the lengths of the cycle tracks on which the HyD completed repair
work last year and the expenditures involved?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 166)
Reply:
In 2015, the HyD received a total of 142 complaints about defects of cycle tracks. The
length of cycle track repaired or rehabilitated was about 5.7 kilometres, and the total cost
involved was about $3.8 million. Details of the complaints are as follows –
District Number of
Complaints
Details of Complaints
Islands 1 Uneven surface
Tai Po 36 Uneven surface, gully gratings and traffic signs
North 25 Uneven surface, gully gratings and traffic signs
Yuen Long 19 Uneven surface and traffic signs
Tuen Mun 9 Uneven surface, gully gratings and traffic signs
Sha Tin and Tseung
Kwan O
50 Uneven surface and traffic signs
Hong Kong and
Kowloon
2 Uneven surface
Total 142
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 2 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)225
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6305)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What are the works progress, expenditure and manpower involved and the date of
completion of the reclamation works for the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities
(HKBCF) of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB)? What are the works
progress, expenditure and manpower involved, and the anticipated date of completion for
the entire HZMB project?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 225)
Reply:
According to the agreement of the three Governments, the HZMB Authority jointly set up
by the three Governments as a legal entity in accordance with Mainland laws is responsible
for the construction, operation, management and maintenance of the HZMB Main Bridge.
The HZMB Authority has to report the progress of the works to the three Governments from
time to time. As for the HKBCF, the Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) and the Tuen
Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL), the supervision of works is carried out by
consultants engaged by the Highways Department (HyD). The HyD has been deploying
existing staff to oversee the implementation of these projects.
The approved project estimate for the construction of the various projects of the HZMB is as
follows:
Project Approved project estimate
($ million)
HZMB Main Bridge
(within Mainland waters)
9,280
(Hong Kong side’s contribution)
HKBCF 35,895
HKLR 25,047
TM-CLKL Note
46,708
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 2 5
Note: This comprises the Public Works Programme (PWP) Item 6846TH TM-CLKL –
detailed design, site investigation and advance works, and the PWP Item 6857TH
TM-CLKL – construction works.
The HZMB Main Bridge project, as well as related projects in Hong Kong, Guangdong and
Macao, have all encountered difficulties in construction and in meeting the programme
schedule. With safety and quality assurance being the major premise, the HZMB
Authority and the three governments have been reviewing the progress of the various
projects as well as means to overcome the difficulties concerned.
Having regard to the latest situation of the HZMB Main Bridge and the related projects of
the three sides, the three Governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao as well as the
HZMB Authority further compiled and assessed the works programme at the end of last
year. It was concluded that it would not be feasible for the HZMB project (including the
Main Bridge project) to be completed for commissioning by end-2016. This has been
reported to the Task Force of the HZMB, chaired by the National Development and Reform
Commission and attended by officials from the three Governments, the Hong Kong and
Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and the HZMB Authority. The Task Force
attached great importance to the HZMB project and requested the Joint Works Committee
of the three Governments to conduct a final assessment with a view to reporting the
consolidated revised target commissioning date of the entire HZMB project to the Central
People’s Government. This final assessment is ongoing.
For the works progress of the HKBCF and the HKLR, in view of the construction
difficulties and challenges such as the unstable supply of materials, shortage of labour,
constraints in construction due to height restriction, the environmental protection
requirements and the slower-than-expected consolidation rate of reclamation works, the
HyD anticipates that the local projects can only be completed by the end of 2017. As of
end-February 2016, about 86% of the reclamation works of the HKBCF of the HZMB has
been completed. The anticipated completion date of the reclamation works for the
HKBCF is end-2016. As for the TM-CLKL, it involves the Southern Connection and the
Northern Connection. The completion date of the Southern Connection will tie in with
that of the HZMB Main Bridge whilst the Northern Connection is targeted for completion in
2018.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 2 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)226
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6307)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: What are the works progress, expenditure and manpower involved, and the date of
completion of the advance works for the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL)
southern landfall reclamation? What are the works progress, expenditure and manpower
involved, and the anticipated date of completion for the whole TM-CLKL project? Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 227) Reply: The estimated total expenditure for the TM-CLKL project is $46,708 million. This
comprises the estimated expenditure for Public Works Programme (PWP) Item 6846TH
“TM-CLKL - detailed design, site investigation and advance works” of $1,910 million, and
that of PWP Item 6857TH “TM-CLKL - construction works” of $44,798 million. The
Highways Department (HyD) has been deploying existing staff to oversee the
implementation of the TM-CLKL project, with the assistance of consultants engaged by the
HyD. At present, the following works of the TM-CLKL are in progress:
(a) reclamation of the Southern Landfall adjacent to the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing
Facilities Reclamation;
(b) construction of the land and marine viaducts of the Southern Connection;
(c) construction of the sub-sea tunnel of the Northern Connection, with the tunnel section
on the Northern Landfall already completed and the first bored tunnel tube progressing
under the seabed; and
(d) construction of the toll plaza together with the approach viaducts and underpass of the
Northern Connection. The completion date of the Southern Connection will tie in with that of the Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Main Bridge, whilst the Northern Connection is targeted for
completion in 2018.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 2 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)227
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6308)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What are the works progress, expenditure and manpower involved, and the dates of
completion regarding the investigation and preliminary design (I&PD) for the Tuen Mun
Western Bypass (TMWB)? In 2016-17, will the Highways Department (HyD) conduct
joint public consultation with other departments for the construction of the TMWB? What
are the respective expenditure and manpower involved, and the anticipated dates of
completion?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 228)
Reply:
The total expenditure for the I&PD of the TMWB under the Public Works Programme Item
6828TH was $28.1 million.
The HyD briefed the Tuen Mun District Council (TMDC) in March 2015 on the proposed
tunnel scheme of the TMWB which connects Tuen Mun Area 40 and Tsing Tin Road. The
HyD is further reviewing the TMWB project taking into account the views from the TMDC
and other stakeholders, and will further report to the TMDC. If the support from the local
community and the TMDC could be obtained, we will proceed with the associated tasks,
including the funding application to the Legislative Council in phases for carrying out
engineering design and construction works, etc. The implementation programme and
estimated cost of the TMWB project will be ascertained during the above process.
The HyD deploys existing staff resources to oversee the project.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 3 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)233
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6314)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: Please provide details of the investigation for the widening of the western and eastern
sections of Lin Ma Hang Road. What is the anticipated commencement date of the
construction works? Over the past five years, did the Government carry out public
consultation in the areas affected? What were the details and expenditure involved? In
2016-17, will the Government continue to carry out public consultations in the areas
affected? What are the details and estimated expenditure involved? Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 234) Reply: As regards the proposed widening works for the western section (from Ping Yuen River to
Ping Che Road) and the eastern section (from Tsung Yuen Ha to Lin Ma Hang) of Lin Ma
Hang Road, the Highways Department (HyD) has engaged a consultant to carry out a study
since March 2014. Under this study, the consultant is conducting detailed design for the
proposed widening works for the western section, while carrying out an Environmental
Impact Assessment for the proposed widening works for the eastern section before
proceeding to detailed design. The construction programme for the proposed widening
works for both sections will be determined in the course of detailed design. During the period from June 2014 to February 2016, the HyD conducted a series of public
consultation to collect the views of stakeholders on a preliminary design scheme for the
proposed widening works for the western section of Lin Ma Hang Road. In 2016-17, the
HyD plans to consult the Traffic and Transport Committee of the North District Council and
other stakeholders as necessary on the proposed widening works for the eastern section of
Lin Ma Hang Road by deploying existing staff resources. The actual and estimated expenditure for the project up to March 2016 and 2016-17 is
$2.4 million and $2.0 million respectively for the payment of consultancy fees.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 3 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)234
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6315)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What is the works progress for the traffic improvements to the Tuen Mun Road Town
Centre Section? What are the expenditure and manpower involved in 2016-17, and the
anticipated date of completion for this project?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 235)
Reply:
The “Traffic Improvements to Tuen Mun Road Town Centre Section” project was
substantially completed in February 2014. The estimated expenditure of the project in
2016-17 is about $26.9 million, mainly for the settlement of project accounts. The design
and supervision of works are carried out by consultants engaged by the Highways
Department (HyD). The HyD deploys existing staff resources to oversee the
implementation of the project.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 3 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)235
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6316)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Over the past five years, what were the details of the items completed, the actual
expenditures incurred and the number of staff involved in the provision of barrier-free
access (BFA) facilities for public footbridges, elevated walkways and subways under the
Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme? In 2016-2017, what are the details of the items
to be commenced under the UA Programme? What are the actual project expenditures and
the number of staff involved?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 236)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The Government has been installing BFA facilities at public walkways (i.e. public
footbridges, elevated walkways and subways maintained by the Highways Department
(HyD)) for a number of years (the Original Programme) on the recommendation of the
Equal Opportunities Commission. The implementation of 150 items under the Original
Programme continues, with most of the items anticipated for progressive completion by
2018 as scheduled. As at 29 February 2016, 29 items have been completed, 91 items are
under construction, 13 items are anticipated to commence in 2016-17 and the remaining 17
items will commence as soon as possible upon completion of detailed design and obtaining
of support from the relevant District Councils (DCs).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 3 6
In August 2012, the Government launched the new UA Programme to further enhance the
BFA facilities for existing public walkways maintained by the HyD. Installation of lifts at
about 250 public walkways was proposed by the public. In the first half of 2013, we
invited all the 18 DCs to prioritise the new items in their districts proposed by the public.
Each DC selected three public walkways for priority implementation (the Expanded
Programme). The implementation of these priority items under the Expanded Programme
is well underway. Most of the retrofitting works items are anticipated for completion from
2017 to 2018 in phases. As at 29 February 2016, 49 priority items are under construction,
seven priority items are anticipated to commence construction in 2016-17 and one priority
item will commence as soon as possible upon completion of its investigation and design
works, and obtaining of support from the DC concerned.
The expenditure on the UA Programme in 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and
2015-16 was $6.6 million, $28.5 million, $232.2 million, $554.3 million and $720.9 million
(estimated) respectively, covering the costs for conducting technical feasibility studies /
investigation works, design, construction works and supervision of construction. The
estimated expenditure in 2016-17 is $788.7 million. The Government has been deploying
existing staff resources to oversee the implementation of the UA Programme.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 3 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)236
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6317)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Following the publication of the Railway Development Strategy 2014 (RDS-2014) by the
Government, please provide the implementation timetable, details, expenditure and
manpower involved regarding the Strategy.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 237)
Reply:
Having regard to the indicative implementation window recommended in the RDS-2014,
the Government has invited the MTR Corporation Limited to submit proposals for the
implementation of the first batch of railway projects viz the Northern Link and Kwu Tung
Station, the East Kowloon Line and the Tuen Mun South Extension. In line with
established procedures, prior to the finalisation of any new railway schemes, we will consult
the public on the detailed alignment, locations of stations, mode of implementation, cost
estimate, mode of financing and actual implementation timetable, when the relevant details
are available.
Regarding the other four railway schemes viz the Hung Shui Kiu Station, the Tung Chung
West Extension, the South Island Line (West) and the North Island Line, the current plan is
to pursue these schemes having regard to the indicative implementation windows
recommended in the RDS-2014. The taking forward of individual railway projects is
subject to the outcome of detailed engineering, environmental and financial studies relating
to each project, as well as updated assessment of passenger transport demand and
availability of resources at the time.
The Highways Department deploys in-house resources to carry out the above tasks.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 3 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)237
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6318)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What are the construction progress and respective completion dates of the Hong Kong
section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), the South Island
Line (East) [SIL(E)], the Kwun Tong Line Extension (KTE) and the Shatin to Central Link
(SCL) projects? What are the updated cost estimates for these projects?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 238)
Reply:
According to the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), the progress of construction works,
the target commissioning dates and the updated cost estimates of the railway projects as at
the end of 2015 are tabulated below –
Projects
Actual Progress of
Construction
Works*
(% completed)
Target
Commissioning Date
Updated Cost
Estimate
($ billion)
(in money-of-
the-day prices)
XRL 76 Third quarter of 2018,
including a six-month
contingency period
86.4
SIL(E) 93 End 2016 16.9**
KTE 91 Third or fourth quarter of
2016
7.2**
SCL 48 Tai Wai to Hung Hom
section: 2019
79.8
(under review)
Hung Hom to Admiralty
section: 2021
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 3 9
Notes: * The progress of the railway projects is expressed in terms of percentage of work
done.
** As the SIL(E) and the KTE are ownership projects, the MTRCL will bear the
additional costs arising from the delay and variations of the railway works.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)238
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 7257)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In Programme (3), it was stated that the Highways Department (HyD) would “co-ordinate
with the Mainland authorities on cross-boundary infrastructure developments” in 2016-17.
Regarding the liaison groups established with the Mainland authorities, please set out the
names, duties, numbers of staff involved and the costs shared by the Hong Kong
Government for all of them.
Asked by: Hon Alan LEONG Kah-kit (Member Question No. 7)
Reply:
The cross-boundary infrastructure development in question is the
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link project. The HyD has established
various liaison groups with the relevant Mainland authorities for the implementation of the
project. The relevant expenses are absorbed by in-house resources.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)239
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 7258)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In Programme (1), it was stated that in 2015-16, the Highways Department (HyD)
commenced works including the “construction of the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing
Facilities (HKBCF) and the Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) for the Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB)”, and monitored “the progress of the works of the
HZMB Main Bridge in the Mainland waters”. Regarding the HZMB project, please set out
the details, quantity, cause and latest progress for the parts that require reconstruction due to
failure to meet the expected standard, as well as the reconstruction costs involved and the
related government expenses.
Asked by: Hon Alan LEONG Kah-kit (Member Question No. 7)
Reply:
The supervision of the construction of the HZMB HKBCF and HKLR is carried out by
consultants engaged by the HyD. Assisted by its consultant engineers as well as resident
site staff, the HyD oversees the performance of the contractors during the construction of
the works to ensure compliance with the specified standards and other contractual
requirements.
For works found not complying with the standards, the contractors will be required to carry
out remedial works at their own costs. The remedial works proposed by the contractors are
implemented according to the contractual requirements upon approval by the consultant
engineers engaged by the HyD.
According to the agreement of the three governments, the HZMB Authority jointly set up
by the three governments is responsible for the construction, operation, management and
maintenance of the HZMB Main Bridge. The HZMB Authority oversees the performance
of the contractors during the construction of the works to ensure compliance with the
specified standards and other contractual requirements. For works found not complying
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 2
with the standards, the HZMB Authority will deal with the contractors in accordance with
the terms of the contract at the contractors’ own costs. The HZMB Authority has to report
the progress of the works to the three governments from time to time. The three
governments meet regularly and conduct site visits from time to time to monitor the
progress of the HZMB Main Bridge.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)240
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4290)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In paragraph 168 of this year’s Policy Address, the Chief Executive stated that “the
Government is progressively enhancing barrier-free access (BFA) facilities at public
walkways under the Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme. Having completed more
than 20 projects, the Government will press ahead with the remaining about 180 projects in
all 18 districts, including the three priority projects identified by each District Council (DC).
It is expected that about 80% of the projects will be completed in phases within three years.”
In this connection, would the Government advise this Committee:
(a) What were the Government’s expenditures on enhancing BFA facilities at public
walkways in all the districts across the territory over the past three years?
(b) For the remaining 180 projects across the 18 districts, would the Government deploy
additional manpower or resources to ensure their timely completion? If yes, what are
the details? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Dr Hon Priscilla LEUNG Mei-fun (Member Question No. 58)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The Government has been installing BFA facilities at public walkways (i.e. public
footbridges, elevated walkways and subways maintained by the Highways Department
(HyD)) for a number of years (the Original Programme) on the recommendation of the
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 4
Equal Opportunities Commission. The implementation of 150 items under the Original
Programme continues in the past three years, with most of the items anticipated for
progressive completion by 2018 as scheduled. As at 29 February 2016, 29 items (one item
in 2013, nine items in 2014, 15 items in 2015 and four items in early 2016) have been
completed, 91 items (21 items commenced construction in 2013, 34 items in 2014 and 36
items in 2015) are under construction, and 13 items are anticipated to commence in
2016-17. The construction works for the remaining 17 items will commence as soon as
possible upon completion of detailed design and obtaining of support from the relevant
DCs.
In August 2012, the Government launched the new UA Programme to further enhance the
BFA facilities for existing public walkways maintained by the HyD. Installation of lifts at
about 250 public walkways was proposed by the public. In the first half of 2013, we
invited all the 18 DCs to prioritise the new items in their districts proposed by the public.
Each DC selected three public walkways for priority implementation (the Expanded
Programme). The implementation of these priority items under the Expanded Programme
is well underway. Most of the retrofitting works items are anticipated for completion from
2017 to 2018 in phases. As at 29 February 2016, 49 priority items (one item commenced
in 2014 and 48 items in 2015) are under construction, seven priority items are anticipated to
commence construction in 2016-17 and one priority item will commence construction as
soon as possible upon completion of the investigation and design works, and obtaining of
support from the DC concerned.
The expenditure on the UA Programme in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 was
$232.2 million, $554.3 million and $720.9 million (estimated) respectively, covering the
costs for conducting technical feasibility studies / investigation works, design, construction
works and supervision of construction. The annual maintenance cost for each lift is around
$300,000.
Overall, the UA Programme is being implemented as scheduled. The Government has
been deploying existing staff resources to oversee the implementation of the UA
Programme.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)241
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4584)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the issue of hillside escalator links and elevator systems, it is noted that the
project of escalator link at Pound Lane in Sheung Wan has sparked a rather significant
controversy. What is the current progress of the project? There was a suggestion earlier
raised by some organisations that the project be considered jointly with the rebuilding of
Tung Wah Hospital. In other words, to adopt a system of express elevator similar to that
of the MTR West Island Line instead of the escalator system. Has the Government
conducted any related feasibility study?
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 62)
Reply:
The Pound Lane escalator project is currently under investigation. After analysing the
public views received on the original scheme of the Pound Lane escalator project, the
Highways Department (HyD) developed a preliminary refined scheme to address public
concerns, and consulted the Central and Western District Council in January 2015 and held
a public forum in April 2015. The consultant has been reviewing the comments received.
In the meantime, a pedestrian survey was conducted in the Pound Lane area in end January
2016 to assess the latest pedestrian flow situation after the opening of the Sai Ying Pun
MTR Station. The consultant is analysing the results of the survey. The Government
remains open to the views of the public and would take into account all relevant information
before deciding on the way forward for the project.
As regards the Tung Wah Hospital redevelopment project, we understand that the
development project is still under preliminary planning, and there is no concrete
implementation programme and design. Therefore, we have no plan at this stage to
incorporate the Pound Lane escalator project into the Tung Wah Hospital redevelopment
project.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)242
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4603)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Highways Department (HyD) states that it will continue to take forward the pedestrian
footbridge system in Mong Kok for its early implementation. In this regard, please advise
this Committee on the following –
(a) what is the estimate for this project and when will the works commence? What are
the details of the expenditures?
(b) will district consultation exercise be conducted in the future? What are the relevant
estimated costs and plans?
(c) will the underground strata of the buildings along the alignment be resumed? What
are the details? Please provide in a list the names and addresses of the buildings
affected, and the related impact; and
(d) what is the estimated utilisation rate after the commissioning of the project and when
was this projection made?
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 81)
Reply:
The HyD commissioned a consultant in October 2013 to conduct further investigation
studies to assess the anticipated usage of the proposed footbridge system, as well as the
impact on traffic, environment and underground utilities during its construction and
operation stages, etc. The impact of the project on the buildings in the vicinity will also be
examined. The studies are anticipated to be completed in mid-2016, after which the HyD
will consult the public on the project. The estimated expenditure for the studies and site
investigation is about $5.5 million. The HyD deploys existing staff resources to oversee
the studies and site investigation of the project.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)243
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4604)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Railway Development
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Highways Department stated that it will continue to oversee the progress of the Hong
Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), the South
Island Line (East) [SIL(E)], the Kwun Tong Line Extension (KTE) and the Shatin to Central
Link (SCL) to ensure their timely completion. In this regard, please advise –
(a) what is the current progress for these projects?
(b) what are the current anticipated dates of completion for these projects?
(c) has the Government received any claims for compensation concerning these projects
so far? Please provide information regarding the details, amount involved and
vetting of these cases; and
(d) what is the estimated patronage after the commissioning of these projects and when
was this projection made?
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 82)
Reply:
(a)&(b) According to the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), the progress of
construction works and the target commissioning dates of the railway projects as at
the end of 2015 are tabulated below –
Project Actual progress of
construction works*
(% completed)
Target commissioning date
XRL 76 Third quarter of 2018, including a
six-month contingency period
SIL(E) 93 End 2016
KTE 91 Third or fourth quarter of 2016
SCL 48
Tai Wai to Hung Hom section: 2019
Hung Hom to Admiralty section: 2021
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 8
* The progress of the railway projects is expressed in terms of percentage of work
done.
(c) The information on contractors’ claims and the corresponding compensation paid
for settled claims for the railway projects as at end December 2015 is tabulated
below –
Project Number
of
settled
claims
Number
of
unsettled
claims
Amount of
compensation paid
for settled claims
($ million)
Amount of
unsettled claims
for compensation
($ million)
XRL 170 692 1,919 23,357
SCL 20 301 20 1,369
For the XRL, the progress of works was delayed due to the unfavourable ground
conditions encountered, changes in design to suit actual site conditions and various
unforeseen circumstances, etc. The foundation works at the West Kowloon
Terminus was hindered by the presence of large boulders and uncharted utilities,
which also resulted in a knock-on effect on the progress of the subsequent and
adjacent works implemented under tightly interfaced contracts. The contractors
have submitted claims in accordance with the contract terms to cover the
additional expenditures. During the course of executing the contracts, the
contractors may submit claims in accordance with the contract terms to cover the
additional expenditures to which they consider entitled. The MTRCL would
process each claim in a prudent manner, and the contractors would have to provide
sufficient justifications and information to support their claims.
For the SCL, the Government and the MTRCL conducted risk assessment at the
planning and budgeting stages of the project to minimise claims arising from the
works. Nevertheless, there were often unforeseeable situations in the course of
works. For instance, the foundation or excavation works might come across a
larger amount of or more complicated obstructions than expected. As this would
add difficulties to the works, the contractors might have to use more machines or
switch to other machines that were more suitable, and employ more staff to cope
with the situations. During the course of executing the contracts, the contractors
may submit claims in accordance with the contract terms to cover the additional
expenditures to which they consider entitled. The MTRCL would process each
claim in a prudent manner, and the contractors would have to provide sufficient
justifications and information to support their claims.
The SIL(E) and the KTE are ownership projects. The MTRCL will bear the
additional costs arising from the delay and variation of the railway works. We do
not have information on claims from contractors on related contracts.
(d) The forecast daily patronage in the commissioning year of the railway projects is
tabulated below –
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 4 9
Project Forecast daily patronage
in the commissioning year
Year of forecast
XRL 99 000 in 2016 (original)
109 200 in 2018 (revised)
Original forecast made in
2008 and reviewed in 2015
SIL(E) 170 000 in 2016 2010
KTE 180 000 in 2016 2007
SCL 1.1 million in 2021 2010
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)244
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4048)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Highways Department (HyD) stated that the number of non-directorate posts will be
increased by 59 to 2 181 posts as at 31 March 2017. Please inform this Council of the
nature of work, ranks and salaries of these new posts.
Asked by: Hon Abraham SHEK Lai-him (Member Question No. 64)
Reply:
Sixty non-directorate posts will be created in 2016-17 in the HyD while one time-limited
post of Geotechnical Engineer/Assistant Geotechnical Engineer (with annual staff cost of
$702,060) will lapse in 2016-17, making a net increase of 59 non-directorate posts. The
ranks, annual staff costs (in terms of notional annual mid-point salary) and duties of the
sixty new posts to be created in 2016-17 are summarised below –
Rank Number
of posts
Annual
Staff Cost ($) Duties
Engineer/Assistant Engineer 1 702,060 To implement the
Universal Accessibility
Programme.
Engineer/Assistant Engineer 2 1,404,120 To implement noise
mitigation projects.
Senior Geotechnical Engineer 1 1,309,080 To deliver the related local
projects of the Hong Kong-
Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Building Services Engineer/
Assistant Building Services
Engineer
1 702,060
Engineer/Assistant Engineer 1 702,060 To conduct strategic
Engineer/Assistant Engineer 1 702,060 To support the delivery of
projects related to local
traffic improvement and
connectivity enhancement
under the Energising
Kowloon East initiative.
Assistant Inspector of Works 1 390,720
Assistant Supplies Officer 1 372,240 To strengthen the support
in the Supplies Section for
procurement and supplies
matters.
Motor Driver 1 202,680 To strengthen transport
services for staff.
Total: 60 34,114,620
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)245
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3453)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Financial Secretary mentioned in paragraph 148 of the 2015-16 Budget Speech that he
had “asked all policy bureaux… to achieve more efficient use of resources through
re-engineering and re-prioritising” and “launched the 0-1-1 envelope savings programme to
reduce operating expenditure by a total of two per cent over the next three financial years.
Resources saved will be re-allocated for new services.” Please inform this Committee of
the implementation of the 0-1-1 envelope savings programme by the Highways Department
(HyD) in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18, the services affected by the programme and
details of the expenditure involved.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 151)
Reply:
The HyD will deliver the savings through re-engineering and re-prioritisation. In order to
achieve the required cost saving while maintaining the service quality, the HyD would
review the priorities of various tasks and activities, and streamline the arrangements in
providing the various operation and maintenance services having regard to their actual
needs and specific circumstances. Among others, the arrangements for cleansing of traffic
signs and highway structures as well as the inspection of low traffic roads would be
revisited. Measures to enhance energy saving so as to reduce electricity costs would also
be taken forward.
The estimate of the HyD for 2016-17 is higher than that for 2015-16 by 9.5%, reflecting
efficiency savings to be achieved through the 0-1-1 programme and new resources allocated
to the HyD for delivering new/improved services.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)246
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4724)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Capital Projects
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide information according to (i) the project name, (ii) the total costs for design
contracts, (iii) the costs of contracts awarded, (iv) the completion rate of works for 2015-16,
and (v) the completion rate of works for 2016-17 for the following projects under design:
(a) Central Kowloon Route;
(b) dualling of Hiram’s Highway between Clear Water Bay Road and Marina Cove and
improvement to local access to Ho Chung;
(c) elevated pedestrian corridor in Yuen Long Town connecting with Long Ping Station;
(d) widening of Castle Peak Road - Castle Peak Bay;
(e) widening of western section and eastern section of Lin Ma Hang Road;
(f) Tuen Mun Western Bypass; and
(g) pedestrian footbridge system in Mong Kok.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 149)
Reply:
Project Title
(i)
Estimated
cost of
consultancies
($ million)
(ii) (Note 1)
Total
Estimated
Cost of
Awarded
Contracts
($ million)
(iii) (Note 2)
For all the awarded contracts
Estimated
% of
completion
(up to
2015-16)
(iv) (Note 3)
Estimated
% of
completion
(up to
2016-17)
(v) (Note 4)
(a) Central Kowloon
Route - Main Works
121.0 No
contract
has been
awarded
NA NA
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 4
Project Title
(i)
Estimated
cost of
consultancies
($ million)
(ii) (Note 1)
Total
Estimated
Cost of
Awarded
Contracts
($ million)
(iii) (Note 2)
For all the awarded contracts
Estimated
% of
completion
(up to
2015-16)
(iv) (Note 3)
Estimated
% of
completion
(up to
2016-17)
(v) (Note 4)
(b) Dualling of Hiram’s
Highway between
Clear Water Bay Road
and Marina Cove and
improvement to local
access to Ho Chung
5.6 1,264.0 0 7% (Note 5)
(c) Elevated pedestrian
corridor in Yuen Long
Town connecting with
Long Ping Station
9.0 No
contract
has been
awarded
NA NA
(d) Widening of Castle
Peak Road - Castle
Peak Bay
12.1 No
contract
has been
awarded
NA NA
(e) Widening of western
section and eastern
section of Lin Ma
Hang Road
7.9 No
contract
has been
awarded
NA NA
(f) Tuen Mun Western
Bypass - investigation
and preliminary design
28.1 No
contract
has been
awarded
NA NA
(g) Proposed pedestrian
footbridge system in
Mong Kok
5.0 (Note 6)
No
contract
has been
awarded
NA NA
Note 1: Estimated cost of consultancies for investigation and design
Note 2: Total estimated final contract sum of awarded contracts at the current stage
Note 3: Estimated expenditures of all contracts up to March 2016 / total estimated cost of
awarded contracts at (iii)
Note 4: Estimated expenditures of all contracts up to March 2017 / total estimated cost of
awarded contracts at (iii)
Note 5: The works contract will commence in end-March 2016.
Note 6: The current consultancy is for the investigation study of the project only. The
detailed design has not yet commenced.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)247
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4725)
Head: (60) Highways Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Technical Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the use of lighting fixtures with better energy-efficiency for roads and vehicle
tunnels in Hong Kong, please inform this Committee on the following:
(a) the work of the Highways Department (HyD) to install more lighting fixtures with
better energy-efficiency for roads and vehicle tunnels, including light emitting diode
(LED) or other energy-saving lighting fixtures over the past three years; and
(b) will the HyD consider progressively replacing road lights with LED or other energy-
saving lighting fixtures? If so, what are the details in this year for the aforesaid
replacement?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 150)
Reply:
(a) In terms of efficiency in energy saving, the lamps and lanterns used in the existing
public lighting system are already at the top end of similar products currently available
in the market. Nevertheless, the HyD has been monitoring the development of new
energy-saving lighting facilities and exploring their applications in Hong Kong.
It was noted that LED road lights should have better colour rendering and higher
reliability than high pressure sodium lamps (which are now widely adopted in Hong
Kong), but their cost-effectiveness was low as the prices of LED road lights meeting
the necessary certification (such as lighting test, safety and protection certification)
were very high. Nonetheless, the HyD commenced a trial scheme in 2009 and has
been closely monitoring the performance of a total of 171 LED road lights installed
under the trial scheme in seven districts (i.e. the Eastern, Wan Chai, Kowloon City,
Kwun Tong, North, Sai Kung and Sha Tin districts). The findings of the trial so far
have confirmed the same.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 6
Under the latest market situation, the prices of low- and medium-wattage LED lights
have dropped significantly, but are still higher than those of low- and medium-wattage
high pressure sodium lamps. Despite the merits of energy saving due to better colour
rendering, the cost-effectiveness of low- and medium-wattage LED lights is not
significant enough to justify utilisation on a large scale at the moment.
On the other hand, only a few models of high-wattage LED lights are available in the
market, and they are far more expensive than high-wattage high pressure sodium
lamps. Utilisation of high-wattage LED lights is therefore not considered justifiable
at the moment.
The numbers of LED lighting installed in the past three years (2013-14 to 2015-16) are
set out below:
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
Numbers of LED road light installed 24 29 31
Numbers of LED light installed at
underpass
0 0 54
Numbers of LED light installed at
covered public transport interchange
0 0 47
(b) The HyD will continue to replace the aged lighting by installing more low- and
medium-wattage LED lights as appropriate under our trial scheme with a view to
further assessing the performance and cost-effectiveness of LED lights. In 2016-17,
the HyD will install about 200 LED lights at covered public transport interchanges and
seven LED road lights. Moreover, the HyD is planning to commence trial use of
LED lights for directional sign lighting.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)248
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 7274)
Head: (91) Lands Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Land Administration
Controlling Officer: Director of Lands (Ms Bernadette LINN)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the manpower and expenditures respectively required for handling
compensation claims in respect of railway projects, and undertaking land administration
work required for the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express
Rail Link (XRL), the South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)), the Kwun Tong Line Extension
(KTE) and the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) in the recent three years.
Asked by: Hon Albert HO Chun-yan (Member Question No. 54)
Reply:
In the past three years from 2013-14 to 2015-16, the manpower deployed and staff cost
incurred in handling compensation and undertaking of land administration work required for
the XRL, the SIL(E), the KTE and the SCL are as follows:
Railway project Average number of full-time
staff deployed in a year
Average staff cost
incurred in a year
($ million)
XRL 21 13.0
SIL(E) 11 7.4
KTE 5 3.3
SCL 21 12.1
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)249
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3603)
Head: (91) Lands Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Land Administration
Controlling Officer: Director of Lands (Ms Bernadette LINN)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In respect of railway projects completed and under construction, how many residents have
been affected and how many claims have been made in the past five years? What are the
expenditure and manpower involved for the Lands Department (LandsD) to undertake work
on land resumption and clearance, creation of easements and rights of temporary occupation,
granting and administration of short-term tenancies and land allocations required for the
West Island Line (WIL), the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong
Express Rail Link (XRL), the South Island Line (East) [SIL(E)], the Kwun Tong Line
Extension (KTE) and the Shatin to Central Link (SCL)? What will be the estimated
expenditure and manpower required for handling this task in 2016-17?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 59)
Reply:
The number of residents affected by various railway projects is not available. The total
number of claims submitted under the Railways Ordinance (Cap 519) for various railway
projects in the past five financial years (i.e. 2011-12 to 2015-16) is 248.
For the past five financial years up to 2015-16, the total staff cost involved in the LandsD
for handling the land matters relating to the WIL, the XRL, the SIL(E), the KTE and the
SCL is about $211 million. An average of about 70 staff has been deployed to work on
these five railway projects each year. For 2016-17, the estimated staff cost and the number
of staff in the LandsD for these duties are about $48 million and 74 respectively.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 5 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)250
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3513)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Local Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the blaze that broke out at the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter last year in which
many vessels were destroyed, sunk or damaged, please provide details about the number of
requests for assistance received by the Department after the incident, the nature of the
requested assistance, the latest situation of the follow-up, and the cash assistance or loans
provided for eligible cases.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 177)
Reply:
Twenty-nine local vessels were damaged by a fire in the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter on
27 September 2015. In view of the financial difficulties faced by the affected owners, the
Marine Department (MD) exercised discretion to arrange for the salvage and disposal of the
wrecks of 16 vessels at no charge. The wrecks of other affected vessels were handled by
their owners. Salvage work was completed in December 2015.
In addition, the MD helped seven affected vessel owners to apply for Emergency Relief
Fund under the Social Welfare Department by assessing the extent of damage caused by the
fire. The MD also provided assistance to 13 owners to apply for emergency financial
assistance under the General Chinese Charities Fund through the Eastern District Office by
verifying the details of the affected vessels. The MD has no information on the cash
assistance or loans provided for eligible cases.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)251
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5955)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Infrastructure
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the figures for the tonnages of ships registered in Hong Kong in the past five
years.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 175)
Reply:
The total tonnage of Hong Kong-registered ships in the past five years are set out below:
- End -
Year As at
31.3.2012
As at
31.3.2013
As at
31.3.2014
As at
31.3.2015
As at
29.2.2016
Total Gross Tonnage
(million)
72.5 81.2 87.2 95.7 103.2
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)252
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5957)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (5) Government Fleet
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide specific information on the expenditure on vessels management and the
manpower involved in vessels management in the Marine Department (MD) in the past five
years.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 177)
Reply:
The MD co-ordinates with 14 government departments on the management (including the
provision of crew) and the maintenance of vessels. The expenditure incurred by the MD
for the management of the government fleet and the manpower involved in each of the past
five years is as follows:
Year Actual Expenditure
($ million) Number of staff
2011-12 399.2 497
2012-13 417.7 499
2013-14 438.9 498
2014-15 506.7 504
2015-16 483.8 (estimated) 502
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)253
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5958)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Infrastructure
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please list the details of and the estimated expenditure for the implementation of the
regulatory regime on local vessels and safety of shipboard works under the Merchant
Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance (Cap 548) [the Ordinance] in 2016-17.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 178)
Reply:
The Ordinance governs the construction and operation of local vessels. The Marine
Department (MD) seeks to ensure that local vessels comply with safety and environmental
protection requirements. The MD will carry out initial and periodic surveys of ships and
issue certificates under the Ordinance to local vessels. The MD will conduct regular safety
inspections to ensure that local vessels under repair, being broken up, engaged in cargo
handling and marine construction works in Hong Kong comply with the relevant safety
requirements. In the event of non-compliance, warnings and directions will be issued to
mandate rectification within a specified period. Where necessary, prosecutions will be
conducted.
The regulatory work for local vessels and for safety of shipboard works is performed by the
MD’s existing staff as part of their normal duties. There is no separate breakdown of
manpower and expenditure involved.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)254
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5959)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Port Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide specific information on the expenditure on regulating shipping movements,
including the provision of vessel traffic services and aids to navigation, in the Marine
Department (MD) in the past five years; and advise on the manpower involved in and the
estimated expenditure on regulating shipping movements, including the provision of vessel
traffic services and aids to navigation, in the MD in 2016-17.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 179)
Reply:
Regulating shipping movements is a major but not exclusive function of the Vessel Traffic
Centre and the Aids to Navigation and Mooring Unit. The former monitors vessel
movements round-the-clock through the vessel traffic service system and the provision of
traffic information to vessels through very high frequency radio. The latter serves and
maintains navigational aids such as light houses, light buoys and beacons.
The Vessel Traffic Centre has an establishment of 59 staff. The Aids to Navigation and
Mooring Unit has an establishment of 29 staff. Their respective expenditures in the past
five years and their estimated expenditures in 2016-17 are as follows –
Year
Vessel Traffic Centre
$ ’000
Aids to Navigation and Mooring Unit
$ ’000
2011 - 12 54,279 21,553
2012 - 13 59,895 22,347
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 4
Year
Vessel Traffic Centre
$ ’000
Aids to Navigation and Mooring Unit
$ ’000
2013 - 14 64,067 21,895
2014 - 15 65,520 25,393
2015 - 16
(provisional actual)
66,714 24,306
2016 - 17
(estimates)
67,300 25,000
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)255
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5960)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Port Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide specific information on the number of emergency incidents handled by the
Marine Department (MD) in the past five years, and advise on the manpower involved in
and the estimated expenditure on the handling of emergency incidents by the MD in
2016-17.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 180)
Reply:
The number of emergency incidents handled by the MD in the past five years is set out
below:
Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Number of Incidents 109 126 125 132 134
Emergency incidents are handled by the Harbour Patrol Section (HPS) of the MD. The
HPS has an establishment of 97 staff members. The handling of emergency incidents
forms part of their normal duties. There is no separate breakdown on the manpower and
expenditure involved.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)256
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5961)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Local Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the figures on the Marine Department’s work in detaining and disposing of
crafts seized by enforcement agencies in the past five years.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 181)
Reply:
The figures with regard to the detention and disposal of crafts seized by enforcement
agencies in the past five years are set out below:
Calendar year
Total number
of detained
crafts in DCA
brought
forward from
the previous
calendar year
(a)
Number of
detained
crafts handed
over by the
HKPF & the
C&ED
(b)
Number of
detained
crafts released
to the HKPF
and the
C&ED
(c)
Number of
detained
crafts
disposed of by
way of
destruction by
the MD
(d)
Total number
of crafts
detained in
DCA carried
forward to the
following
calendar year
(a)+(b)-(c)-(d)
2011 149 72 32 40 149
2012 149 59 40 63 105
2013 105 40 12 26 107
2014 107 43 8 36 106
2015 106 30 40 8 88
Notes:
DCA: Detained Craft Anchorage
HKPF: Hong Kong Police Force
C&ED: Customs and Excise Department
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)257
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6263)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Local Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please list out the details of the special operations conducted by the Marine Department
(MD) in the past five years and the expenditure involved.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 183)
Reply:
The special operations conducted by the MD in the past five years are listed below:
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Safe carriage of passengers 7 7 17 17 19
Safe carriage of cargoes 6 6 4 4 4
Safe speed 7 6 20 19 21
Compliance with the
international regulations for
preventing collisions at sea
6 6 7 9 9
Safety seminar 2 3 2 2 2
Total 28 28 50 51 55
Special operations are conducted by the Harbour Patrol Section (HPS) of the MD. The
HPS has an establishment of 97 staff. As the special operations form part of their normal
duties, there is no separate breakdown of the expenditure involved.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)258
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6264)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Services to Ships
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the number of locally licensed vessels which, upon periodical inspections
carried out by the Marine Department (MD) in the past five years, were found failing to
carry adult lifejackets equivalent to 100% of the total number of persons on board; and the
provision earmarked by the MD for carrying out periodical inspections of locally licensed
vessels in 2016-17.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 184)
Reply:
The MD does not have readily available information on those vessels which did not carry
the required number of adult lifejackets on board prior to November 2012. Based on the
results of a series of special inspections conducted during the period from November 2012
to April 2013, 185 vessels did not have the required number of adult lifejackets on board.
After the special inspections, the adult lifejacket requirement has been strictly enforced.
At present, all locally licensed passenger vessels fully comply with the requirement.
In 2016-17, periodical inspections of locally licensed vessels will be performed by 20 ship
surveyors and ship inspectors. Periodical inspections form part of the normal duties of
these officers, and there is no separate breakdown of the expenditure involved.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 6 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)259
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6266)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Services to Ships
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the average time (in hours) taken by the Marine Department (MD) to carry
out periodical inspection on a locally licensed vessel and the expenditure involved in the
past five years; and the projected average time (in hours) for the MD to carry out periodical
inspection on a locally licensed vessel and the estimated expenditure involved in 2016-17.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 186)
Reply:
The MD has stepped up efforts to enhance navigation safety of locally licensed vessels since
November 2012, and dedicated more time to ensure thorough and comprehensive ship
inspection. In the past five years, the average inspection time spent on board a local vessel
was around two to six hours. The average inspection time in 2016-17 is estimated to be
around three to seven hours.
The periodical inspections carried out by the MD form part of the normal duties of MD
officers, and there is no separate breakdown on the expenditure involved.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)260
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6268)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Services to Ships
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the number of locally licensed vessels for which licences were not renewed
due to the failure to comply with the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance [the
Ordinance] and the relevant subsidiary legislation in the past five years.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 188)
Reply:
In the past five years, no local vessel could not renew their licence due to non-compliance
with the Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)261
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6652)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Port Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In the past three years, what is the monthly average number of ocean-going vessels berthing
in Hong Kong?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 339)
Reply:
The monthly average number of ocean-going vessels berthing in Hong Kong in the past
three years is set out below:
Year Monthly Average Number of Vessels
2013 2 490
2014 2 510
2015 2 420
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)262
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4932)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Local Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the management and planning work of typhoon shelters, please provide the
following information:
(a) the work, staffing and expenditure involved in the management of typhoon shelters;
(b) the supply and occupancy of berthing spaces, and the staffing and expenditure
involved in connection with the supply of typhoon shelter space in the past three years;
and
(c) whether the Government has estimated the requirement for additional sheltered space
for local and small visiting vessels in order to meet future demand, and the staffing and
expenditure involved in the planning work.
Asked by: Hon Tang Ka-piu (Member Question No. 44)
Reply:
(a) In managing typhoon shelters, the main duties of the Marine Department (MD) are to
ensure that all passage areas are free from obstruction, local vessels are properly and
safely moored within the mooring areas, and aids to navigation and facilities are in
good working condition. When a tropical cyclone approaches, the MD will deploy
more patrol resources to control and regulate local vessels in typhoon shelters.
Typhoon Shelters are managed by the Harbour Patrol Section (HPS) of the MD. The
HPS has an establishment of 97 staff members. The management of typhoon shelters
forms part of their normal services, and there is no separate breakdown in the staffing
and expenditure involved.
(b) In the past three years (i.e. 2013-14 to 2015-16), the total area of the 14 gazetted
typhoon shelters and sheltered anchorages in Hong Kong remained unchanged, i.e. at
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 3
419.0 hectares (ha) for typhoon shelters and 143.8 ha for sheltered anchorages. The
MD only keeps track of the highest occupancy of each typhoon shelter during
typhoons. The breakdown of the highest occupancy rates for each typhoon shelter in
2013, 2014 and 2015 is set out at Annex. There is no separate breakdown on the
staffing and expenditure involved in the supply of berthing spaces at typhoon shelters.
(c) The MD is conducting a review on berthing and sheltered spaces for local vessels.
As part of the review, a consultant is engaged at around $1.5 million to conduct a
large-scale survey on berthing arrangements of local vessels. The survey data is
being analysed and the projection of berthing and sheltered space to meet future
demand is being conducted. The work relating to the review, except for the
consultancy, will be absorbed by existing resources of the MD.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 4
Annex
The Numbers of Vessels in Typhoon Shelters (TS) during typhoons from 2013 to 2015
Year
2013 2014 2015
Number % * Number % * Number % *
Aberdeen TS# 1 562 73 1 914 86 1 577 78
Causeway Bay TS 342 60 338 45 358 60
Cheung Chau TS 334 50 275 36 370 65
Hei Ling Chau TS 71 6 30 4 47 4
Kwun Tong TS 251 70 179 48 97 25
New Yau Ma Tei TS 505 94 446 91 479 90
Rambler Channel TS 197 100 216 100 220 100
Sam Ka Tsuen TS 75 40 59 45 79 50
Shaukeiwan TS 527 100 356 62 388 62
Shuen Wan TS 89 50 127 50 130 51
To Kwa Wan TS 185 75 209 55 176 70
Tuen Mun TS 656 100 796 100 632 100
Yim Tin Tsai TS 26 25 23 23 22 13
Note: The figures above refer to the highest occupancy of each typhoon shelter from 2013 to 2015
*The % refers to the highest percentage of occupancy of each typhoon shelter
#Aberdeen South Typhoon Shelter and Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)263
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4010)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Local Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Marine Department (MD) would continue to follow up on the range of issues arising
from the collision of vessels near Lamma Island on 1 October 2012 in 2015-16. In this
connection, will the Government inform this Committee:
(a) the progress in following up on the range of issues arising from the above incident
(including the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry) in the past year, and
the expenditure involved; and
(b) the work plan in the coming year, and the estimated operational expenses and staffing.
Asked by: Hon James TO Kun-sun (Member Question No. 63)
Reply:
To follow up the “Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Collision of Vessels near
Lamma Island on 1 October 2012”, the Secretary for Transport and Housing set up the
Steering Committee on Systemic Reform of the MD (the Steering Committee) in May 2013
to steer the MD to undertake a comprehensive systemic review and reform, oversee
improvement measures taken by the MD to enhance marine safety, review and improve the
MD’s business processes and operational procedures, and map its manpower strategy and
training matters. The Steering Committee has held 16 meetings so far.
In 2015-16, the Government continued to implement various measures to enhance marine
safety. The MD commissioned a feasibility study on developing a lifejacket suitable for
use by both adult and child in March 2015. A prototype lifejacket has already been
developed and is being tested to ascertain its compliance with international standards. The
testing will be completed by mid-2016. Also, the Government is working on legislative
amendments to enhance marine safety, e.g. requiring certain classes of local vessels to
install navigation safety equipment (including automatic identification system, radar and
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 6
very high frequency radiotelephone), increasing the minimum liability cover of third party
risks insurance for local vessels, and requiring child passengers on board to wear lifejackets
during major events at sea, etc. Furthermore, the MD has sought the trade’s agreement to
introduce a navigation simulation assessment as a condition for granting certificates of
competency to operate a large-size local passenger vessel or local pleasure vessel which is
let for hire, and introduce an administrative guideline on periodic medical examinations
(including eyesight test) of coxswains of local passenger vessels licensed to carry more than
100 passengers. The MD will amend the relevant examination rules to introduce the
navigation simulation assessment, and issue the administrative guideline on periodic
medical examinations in mid-2016.
Moreover, the MD continued to implement the recommendations of the organisational
review conducted earlier with a view to improving its regulatory functions and business
procedures. These include strengthening the communication between frontline staff and
the management, developing systems and procedures to enhance reporting and
documentation, and making use of information technology to improve storage and shared
use of information, etc. The MD will continue to implement measures to address the
recruitment difficulties and manpower shortage of its professional grades staff, and assess
their effectiveness so as to formulate long-term improvement proposals and details for
implementation.
In 2015-16, the estimated expenditure (excluding staff cost) involved in taking forward the
improvement measures to enhance marine safety is about $4.0 million.
For 2016-17, the estimated expenditure (excluding staff cost) involved in taking forward the
improvement measures to enhance marine safety is about $2.6 million. Besides, the MD
plans to retain three directorate posts and 13 non-directorate posts in the Task Force on
Reform with effect from 1 June 2016 for another three years to continue taking forward the
systemic reform in the MD.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)264
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4011)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Financial Secretary mentioned in paragraph 148 of the 2015-16 Budget Speech that he
had “asked all policy bureau… to achieve more efficient use of resources through
re-engineering and re-prioritising” and “launched the 0-1-1 envelope savings programme to
reduce operating expenditure by a total of two per cent over the next three financial years.
Resources saved will be re-allocated for new services.” Please inform this Committee of
the implementation of the 0-1-1 envelope savings programme by the Marine Department
(MD) in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18, the services affected by the programme and details
of the expenditure involved.
Asked by: Hon James TO Kun-sun (Member Question No. 64)
Reply:
Under the 0-1-1 envelope savings programme, the MD will continue to keep a vigilant
watch on departmental expenses with a view to keeping down expenses as far as practicable
but without compromising maritime safety. For example, the MD will redeploy internal
resources to absorb the costs arising from ad hoc projects and operations as far as
practicable with a view to reducing the need to engage external service providers.
The estimate of the MD for 2016-17 is higher than that for 2015-16 by 5.1%, reflecting
efficiency savings to be achieved through the 0-1-1 programme and new resources allocated
to the MD for delivering new/improved services.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)265
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4119)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the engagement of “outsourced workers”, please provide the following
information:
2015-16
(the latest position)
Number of outsourced service contracts ( )
Total payments to outsourced service providers ( )
Duration of service of each outsourced service provider ( )
Number of outsourced workers engaged through
outsourced service providers
( )
Details of the positions held by outsourced workers (e.g.
customer service, property management, security,
cleansing and information technology)
Monthly salary range of outsourced workers
- $30,001 or above
- $16,001 to $30,000
- $8,001 to $16,000
- $6,501 to $8,000
- $6,240 to $6,500
- under $6,240
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
Length of service of outsourced workers
- over 15 years
- 10 to 15 years
- 5 to 10 years
- 3 to 5 years
- 1 to 3 years
- under 1 year
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
Percentage of outsourced workers against the total number
of staff in the Department
( )
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 7 9
2015-16
(the latest position)
Percentage of payments to outsourced service providers
against the total staff costs of the Department
( )
Number of workers who received severance payment /
long service payment / contract gratuity
( )
Amount of severance payment / long service payment /
contract gratuity paid
( )
Number of workers with severance payment / long service
payment offset by or contract gratuity calculated from the
accrued benefits attributable to employer’s contributions
to Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)
( )
Amount of severance payment / long service payment
offset by or contract gratuity calculated from the accrued
benefits attributable to employer’s contributions to MPF
( )
Number of workers with paid meal break
Number of workers without paid meal break
( )
( )
Number of workers working five days per week
Number of workers working six days per week
( )
( )
( ) Change in percentage as compared with 2014-15
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 100)
Reply:
The information requested is set out below:
2015-16
(the latest position)
Number of outsourced service contracts 3 453 (-28%)
Total payments to outsourced service providers
($ million)
191.185 (2%)
Duration of service of each outsourced service provider 1 year to 5 years
Number of outsourced workers engaged through
outsourced service providers Note 1
254 (-1%)
Details of the positions held by outsourced workers (e.g.
customer service, property management, security,
cleansing and information technology)
Security, cleaning, ferry
terminal-related services,
land transport, vessel
maintenance, launch service,
anti-rodent service
Monthly salary range of outsourced workers Note 2
- $30,001 or above
- $16,001 to $30,000
- $8,001 to $16,000
- $6,501 to $8,000
- $6,240 to $6,500
- under $6,240
0 (-)
0 (-)
180 (5%)
68 (-11%)
0 (-)
6 Note 3
(0%)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 0
2015-16
(the latest position)
Length of service of outsourced workers
- over 15 years
- 10 to 15 years
- 5 to 10 years
- 3 to 5 years
- 1 to 3 years
- under 1 year
The Marine Department
(MD) does not keep
information on the length of
employment of outsourced
workers.
Percentage of outsourced workers against the total number
of staff in the MD
The MD does not have the
requested information, as not
all service contracts specify
the number of workers
required.
Percentage of payments to outsourced service providers
against the total staff costs of the MD
Payment to outsourced
service providers include
non-staff cost. As such, it
is not directly comparable to
the total staff cost of the
MD.
Number of workers who received severance payment /
long service payment / contract gratuity
As workers are employees of
outsourced service
providers, the MD does not
have the requested
information.
Amount of severance payment / long service payment /
contract gratuity paid
Number of workers with severance payment / long service
payment offset by or contract gratuity calculated from the
accrued benefits attributable to employer’s contributions
to MPF
Amount of severance payment / long service payment
offset by or contract gratuity calculated from the accrued
benefits attributable to employer’s contributions to MPF
Number of workers with paid meal break
Number of workers without paid meal break
Number of workers working five days per week
Number of workers working six days per week
( ) Change in percentage as compared with 2014-15
Notes
1. We have not specified the number of workers required under some of the outsourcing
service contracts. Hence, the number of workers employed under these outsourcing
service contracts has not been included.
2. The contractors are required to provide us with the monthly wages of non-skilled
workers to ensure their compliance with the minimum wage. Hence, only the monthly
wages of non-skilled workers have been included.
3. The salaries of these outsourced workers are not below the statutory minimum wage.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)266
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4120)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the engagement of “agency workers”, please provide the following information:
2015-16
(the latest position)
Number of contracts with employment agencies (EAs) ( )
Contract sum paid to each EA ( )
Duration of service of each EA ( )
Number of agency workers ( )
Details of the positions held by agency workers
Monthly salary range of agency workers
- $30,001 or above
- $16,001 to $30,000
- $8,001 to $16,000
- $6,501 to $8,000
- $6,240 to $6,500
- under $6,240
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
Length of service of agency workers
- over 15 years
- 10 to 15 years
- 5 to 10 years
- 3 to 5 years
- 1 to 3 years
- under 1 year
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
Percentage of agency workers against the total number of staff in
the Department
( )
Percentage of payments to EAs against total staff costs of the
Department
( )
Number of workers who received severance payment / long
service payment / contract gratuity
( )
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 2
2015-16
(the latest position)
Amount of severance payment / long service payment / contract
gratuity paid
( )
Number of workers with severance payment / long service
payment offset by or contract gratuity calculated from the
accrued benefits attributable to employer’s contributions to
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)
( )
Amount of severance payment / long service payment offset by or
contract gratuity calculated from the accrued benefits attributable
to employer’s contributions to MPF
( )
Number of workers with paid meal break
Number of workers without paid meal break
( )
( )
Number of workers working five days per week
Number of workers working six days per week
( )
( )
( ) Changes in percentage as compared with 2014-15
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 101)
Reply:
The information requested is set out below:
Type of
Contract
2015-16
(as at 29 February 2016)
Number of contracts with EAs Others 13
(-24%)
T-contract Note 1
23
(+35%)
Contract sum paid to each EA Note 2
Others $10,000 to $682,000
(N.A.)
T-contract $100,000 to $2,426,000
(N.A.)
Duration of service for each EA Others 6 months to 18 months Note 3
(N.A.)
T-contract 2 months to 37 months
(N.A.)
Number of agency workers Others 28
(-28%)
T-contract 21
(+24%)
Details of the positions held by
agency workers
Others To provide executive support,
clerical support and general
support
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 3
Type of
Contract
2015-16
(as at 29 February 2016)
T-contract To provide IT support
Monthly salary range of agency
workers
- $30,001 or above
- $16,001 to $30,000
- $8,001 to $16,000
- $6,501 to $8,000
- $6,240 to $6,500
- under $6,240
Others
0 (-)
2 (increased from 0)
26 (-33%) Note 4
0(-)
0(-)
0(-)
T-contract T-contract staff are employees of
contractors. As such, the
information requested is
unavailable.
Length of service of agency
workers
- over 15 years
- 10 to 15 years
- 5 to 10 years
- 3 to 5 years
- 1 to 3 years
- under 1 year
Others Agency workers and T-contract
staff are employees of EAs and
contractors respectively. As
such, the information requested is
unavailable.
T-contract
Percentage of agency workers
against the total number of staff in
the Department
Others 1.97%
(-29%)
T-contract 1.47%
(+23%)
Percentage of payments to EAs
against total staff costs of the
Department
Others 0.42%
(-9%)
T-contract 1.46%
(+5%)
Number of workers who received
severance payment / long service
payment / contract gratuity
Others Agency workers and T-contract
staff are employees of EAs and
contractors respectively. As
such, the information requested is
unavailable.
T-contract
Amount of severance payment /
long service payment / contract
gratuity paid
Others
T-contract
Number of workers with severance
payment / long service payment
Others
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 4
Type of
Contract
2015-16
(as at 29 February 2016)
offset by or contract gratuity
calculated from the accrued
benefits attributable to employer’s
contributions to MPF
T-contract
Amount of severance payment /
long service payment offset by or
contract gratuity calculated from
the accrued benefits attributable to
employer’s contributions to MPF
Others
T-contract
Number of workers with paid meal
break
Number of workers without paid
meal break
Others
T-contract
Number of workers working five
days per week
Others 22
(-37%)
T-contract 21
(+24%)
Number of workers working six
days per work week
Others 0
(-)
T-contract 0
(-)
Number of workers working on
shift pattern
Others 6
(+50%)
T-contract 0
(-)
( ) Changes in percentage as compared with 2014-15
Notes
1. T-contracts refer to the engagement of information technology contract staff services
under term contracts centrally administered by the Office of the Government Chief
Information Officer.
2. Rounded to the nearest thousand dollars.
3. One of the contracts was engaged to meet service needs which entailed irregular work
pattern.
4. The monthly salaries of the agency workers are not below the monthly wage rate of the
Statutory Minimum Wage plus paid rest days.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)267
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4121)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the employment of “non-civil service contract (NCSC) staff”, please provide the
following information:
2015-16
(the latest position)
Number of NCSC staff ( )
Details of the positions held by NCSC staff
Payroll costs of NCSC staff ( )
Monthly salary range of NCSC staff
- $30,001 or above
- $16,001 to $30,000
- $8,001 to $16,000
- $6,501 to $8,000
- $6,240 to $6,500
- Below $6,240
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
Length of service of NCSC staff
- over 15 years
- 10 to 15 years
- 5 to 10 years
- 3 to 5 years
- 1 to 3 years
- under 1 year
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
Number of NCSC staff successfully appointed as civil servants ( )
Percentage of NCSC staff against the total number of staff in the
Department
( )
Percentage of staff costs for NCSC staff against the total staff costs
of the Department
( )
Number of NCSC staff who received severance payment / long
service payment / contract gratuity
( )
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 6
2015-16
(the latest position)
Amount of severance payment / long service payment / contract
gratuity paid
( )
Number of NCSC staff with severance payment / long service
payment offset by or contract gratuity calculated from the accrued
benefits attributable to employer’s contributions to Mandatory
Provident Fund (MPF)
( )
Amount of severance payment / long service payment offset by or
contract gratuity calculated from the accrued benefits attributable to
employer’s contributions to MPF
( )
Number of NCSC staff with paid meal break
Number of NCSC staff without paid meal break
( )
( )
Number of NCSC staff working five days per week
Number of NCSC staff working six days per week
( )
( )
( ) Change in percentage as compared with 2014-15
Asked by: Hon Wong Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 102)
Reply:
The information requested is set out below:
2015-16
(as at 29 February 2016)
Number of NCSC staff 26 (+37%)
Details of the positions held by NCSC staff 3 Contract Marine Controllers
9 Contract Marine Officers
3 Contract Senior Ship Inspectors
5 Contract Surveyors of Ships
(Engineer and Ship) / (Ship)
1 Engineering Officer (Training)
1 Nautical Officer (Training)
3 Office Executives
1 Project Coordinator (Local
Vessels)
Payroll costs of NCSC staff $18.204 million (+90%)
Monthly salary range of NCSC staff
- $30,001 or above
- $16,001 to $30,000
- $8,001 to $16,000
- $6,501 to $8,000
- $6,240 to $6,500
- Below $6,240
23 (+44%)
3 (0%)
0 (N/A)
0 (N/A)
0 (N/A)
0 (N/A)
Length of service of NCSC staff
- over 15 years
- 10 to 15 years
0 (N/A)
0 (N/A)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 7
2015-16
(as at 29 February 2016)
- 5 to 10 years
- 3 to 5 years
- 1 to 3 years
- under 1 year
2 (0%)
3 (+200%)
12 (+100%)
9 (-10%)
Number of NCSC staff successfully appointed as
civil servants
1 (N/A) Note
Percentage of NCSC staff against the total number
of staff in the Department
1.8 (+38%)
Percentage of staff costs for NCSC staff against the
total staff costs of the Department
3.3 (+83%)
Number of NCSC staff who received severance
payment / long service payment / contract gratuity
16 (+45%)
Amount of severance payment / long service
payment / contract gratuity paid
$1.566 million (+58%)
Number of NCSC staff with severance payment /
long service payment offset by or contract gratuity
calculated from the accrued benefits attributable to
employer’s contributions to MPF
0 (N/A)
Amount of severance payment / long service
payment offset by or contract gratuity calculated
from the accrued benefits attributable to employer’s
contributions to MPF
0 (N/A)
Number of NCSC staff with paid meal break
Number of NCSC staff without paid meal break
26 (+37%)
0 (N/A)
Number of NCSC staff working five days per week
Number of NCSC staff working six days per week
26 (+37%)
0 (N/A)
( ) Change in percentage as compared with 2014-15
Note
The NCSC staff joined the civil service through an open, fair and competitive process.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)268
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4738)
Head: (100) Marine Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Local Services
Controlling Officer: Director of Marine (Maisie CHENG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the enhancement of the safety of local passenger carrying vessels and taking
appropriate follow-up actions under Matters Requiring Special Attention, please advise this
Committee of the measures to be taken and the expenditure involved in 2016-17.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 167)
Reply: In 2016-17, the Government will continue to implement various measures to enhance
marine safety. The Marine Department (MD) commissioned a feasibility study on
developing a lifejacket suitable for use by both adult and child in March 2015. A
prototype lifejacket has already been developed and is being tested to ascertain its
compliance with international standards. The testing will be completed by mid-2016.
Also, the Government is working on legislative amendments to enhance marine safety,
e.g. requiring certain classes of local vessels to install navigation safety equipment
(including automatic identification system, radar and very high frequency radiotelephone),
increasing the minimum liability cover of third party risks insurance for local vessels, and
requiring child passengers on board to wear lifejackets during major events at sea, etc.
Furthermore, the MD has sought the trade’s agreement to introduce a navigation simulation
assessment as a condition for granting certificates of competency to operate a large-size
local passenger vessel or local pleasure vessel which is let for hire, and introduce an
administrative guideline on periodic medical examinations (including eyesight test) of
coxswains of local passenger vessels licensed to carry more than 100 passengers. The MD
will amend the relevant examination rules to introduce the navigation simulation
assessment, and issue the administrative guideline on periodic medical examinations in
mid-2016. For 2016-17, the estimated expenditure (excluding staff cost) involved in taking forward the
improvement measures to enhance marine safety is about $2.6 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 8 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)269
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5422)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The current land space available for use by the logistics industry is inadequate in Hong
Kong. The Government explored the potentials of logistics development in Sunny Bay
some years ago but the plan was cancelled eventually. With the completion of the many
logistics-related infrastructures in the future, the supply of logistics space for handling air
and land cargoes will become very tight. In this connection, please advise on the
availability of logistics space in Hong Kong and list the additional space available over the
past four years in table form.
What measures will the Government put in place to support the future development of the
logistics industry and meet the increased demand for logistics services upon completion of
the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and the Three-Runway System (3RS) of the
airport? Please advise on the number of sites reserved by the Government for logistics use,
including the districts where such sites are available.
Members of the industry have pointed out that sites for logistics services and storage of
high-value goods are far from adequate in Hong Kong. For example, art works, jewellery
and antiques are mainly transported to Hong Kong by air and have to be kept in stores with
high-level security. How will the Government meet the demand for logistics services and
storage of high-value goods?
Asked by: Hon CHAN Chi-chuen (Member Question No. 181)
Reply:
Logistics encompasses a wide scope of activities, which can be undertaken in
custom-designed logistics developments or existing industrial buildings. Given the diverse
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 0
nature of logistics activities, the different requirements of these activities and the
accommodation options available, we do not have readily available information on logistics
space in Hong Kong.
In recent years, the Transport and Housing Bureau has been supporting the development of
the logistics industry towards the provision of high-value added services. To this end, we
have been identifying suitable sites for construction of modern logistics facilities. In the
past four financial years (2012-13 to 2015-16), we have disposed of a 2.1 hectares (ha)
logistics site in Tsing Yi through open tender. We have also reserved 10 ha of land in
Tuen Mun West for modern logistics development, comprising a site in Tuen Mun Area 49
(around 3.5 ha) and another site in Tuen Mun Area 38 (around 6.5 ha). For the site in
Tuen Mun Area 49, with the District Council’s agreement, we will seek the Town Planning
Board’s approval for the designated land use as soon as practicable. Tuen Mun Area 38 is
now being used as a temporary fill bank until the end of 2018. We will liaise with the
relevant government departments on its release for modern logistics use upon expiry of the
current tenure.
We will continue to work with the relevant bureaux/departments to identify other suitable
land for logistics use in different parts of Hong Kong, including the Hung Shui Kiu New
Development Area (HSKNDA), Tuen Mun Areas 40 and 46 and the topside development at
the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island of the HZMB (topside development).
Under the Recommended Outline Development Plan of the study on the HSKNDA, about
37 ha of land have been reserved for logistics development. For Tuen Mun Areas 40 and
46 and the topside development, the land use proposals are still under study.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)270
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5431)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
It is mentioned in the Policy Address that the Government has decided to merge the existing
Maritime Industry Council (MIC) and the Port Development Council (PDC) to form a new
Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board (HKMPB), which will be chaired by the Secretary for
Transport and Housing (STH). Please provide the details.
Asked by: Hon CHAN Chi-chuen (Member Question No. 190)
Reply:
The Government established the new HKMPB by merging the existing MIC and PDC on 1
April 2016. The HKMPB, chaired by the STH, comprises representatives from the
Government, industry, academia and statutory bodies, etc. Serviced by the Transport and
Housing Bureau, the HKMPB serves as a platform for the Government to work closely with
the industry to promote the growth of high value-added and professional maritime services
in Hong Kong, foster the development of maritime manpower, and devise strategies and
initiatives to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre. Three
functional committees led by industry figures, namely the Maritime and Port Development
Committee; the Promotion and External Relations Committee; and the Manpower
Development Committee, are formed under the HKMPB.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)271
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5450)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Director of Bureau’s Office
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, what are the estimated provisions for the salaries and allowances for the
Secretary for Transport and Housing (STH), the Under Secretary for Transport and Housing
(USTH) and the Political Assistant (PA) to STH?
Asked by: Hon CHAN Chi-chuen (Member Question No. 209)
Reply:
For budgetary purpose, the salary provisions in respect of the positions of the STH, the
USTH and the PA to STH in the 2016-17 Estimates are $3.58 million, $2.50 million and
$1.25 million respectively. There is no budget for allowance made for the STH, the USTH
and the PA to STH in the 2016-17 Estimates.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)272
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3518)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the work plans under this Programme during 2016-17, will the Government
review the mechanisms for imposing punishment on the MTR Corporation Limited
(MTRCL) and franchised bus companies for disruptions and incidents related to their
services, and consult the public on the establishment or revision of such mechanisms? If
yes, what are the specific work plans, timetables and estimated expenditure? If no, what
are the reasons for that?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 219)
Reply:
Under the service performance arrangement introduced after the review on the Fare
Adjustment Mechanism (FAM) of the MTRCL in early 2013, a fine ranging from
$1 million to $15 million would be imposed on the MTRCL for service disruptions of 31
minutes or above (except those disruptions caused by factors outside the MTRCL’s control
such as passengers’ behaviours and bad weather). Since January 2012 and up to
end December 2015, there were a total of 33 such disruptions, resulting in a total fine of
$71.5 million imposed on the MTRCL. Proceeds are credited to a fare concession account
and returned to the passengers through the “10% Same Day Second Trip Discount” scheme.
The service performance arrangement will, together with other arrangements associated
with the FAM, be looked into during the next review on the FAM. According to the
Operating Agreement, the next scheduled review of the FAM is due for completion in 2018.
In the light of the public opinions towards the FAM, the Government issued a letter to the
MTRCL on 22 March 2016, asking the MTRCL to advance by one year a joint review with
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 4
the Government on the FAM. It is the Government’s objective to advance the review by
one year, so that the new FAM can take effect in 2017.
For franchised buses, there have all along been transparent statutory and administrative
arrangements in place for the close monitoring of franchised bus service. As far as the
statutory mechanism under the Public Bus Services Ordinance (PBSO) is concerned, if a
franchised bus company fails to comply with the PBSO or franchise requirements, or fails to
provide a proper and efficient service, the Chief Executive-in-Council (CE-in-Council) may
impose financial penalty on the company concerned. The CE-in-Council may also revoke
the company’s right to operate any specified routes or the entire franchise. As for the
administrative arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) will normally follow up on a
bus company’s non-compliance regarding service delivery by setting out clearly what
improvements the bus company is required to make in writing. If the company fails to
provide a reasonable explanation or make improvement, the TD will issue a reminder letter
to the company and require it to implement improvement measures within a specified period
of time. Depending on the severity of each case, the TD may issue warning letters to the
company. If the warning is not heeded, the TD may consider triggering the
above-mentioned statutory mechanism by making a submission to the CE-in-Council. The
circumstances warranting the issue and the number of such warning letters will be taken into
consideration when franchise is due for renewal. Past experience suggests that the
arrangements have been working well. However, in response to the Ombudsman’s report
on its investigation on the TD’s mechanism of monitoring the frequency of franchised bus
services published in January 2014, the TD has reviewed the sanction regime in respect of
lost trips. To ensure that the franchised bus companies are taking mitigation measures and
improving services more promptly, with effect from 2015, a written notice will be served to
its board of directors when the TD issues a warning letter to a franchised bus company.
Moreover, the Government will take into account whether any warning letters have been
issued, as well as the number of such letters issued, when processing a fare increase
application submitted by a bus company.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)273
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3519)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the various railway projects being carried out, please set out the following
breakdown or information by year and by project over the past five years:
(a) types of air pollutants found and works-generated air pollutants at the works sites;
(b) measures taken to improve air quality and reduce the amount of works-generated air
pollutants at the works sites, and the expenditure and manpower involved;
(c) noise level in decibel;
(d) noise mitigating measures taken, and the expenditure and manpower involved;
(e) figures on industrial accidents and casualties involved; and
(f) measures taken to reduce industrial accidents.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 222)
Reply:
The major air pollutant arising from the general construction sites of the railway projects is
dust. Mitigating measures employed include watering construction sites every day, using
wheel washing facilities at site entrances, using low carbon fuel for construction plants,
covering filling materials, and ensuring that works are carried out in compliance with the
Air Pollution Control Ordinance.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 6
The noise level at sensitive receivers is controlled within the statutory limit. Noise
mitigating measures employed include adopting good site practices and construction
methods to mitigate noise at source, using low noise plant and equipment, installing noise
barriers at fixed machinery, avoiding noisy works during school examination periods,
maintaining plant and equipment properly, and reducing the number of noise emitting plant
and equipment operating simultaneously.
At some construction sites, blasting method is adopted for excavation of railway stations
and tunnels in rock. Nearby residents are notified of the blasting works at least one week
in advance, as well as on the day of and just before blasting. Only transient minor
vibrations and occasional noise may be noticed. Blast cages and blast screens are installed
to cover the blasting zone to further minimise the generation of noise and dust.
The expenditure and staff for implementing the above mitigating measures are absorbed in
the project costs of the railway works.
The Highways Department is responsible for overseeing the construction of the railway
projects. The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) is required to oversee the construction
works carried out by its contractors in accordance with relevant laws, rules and guidelines
issued by the Government. The MTRCL has also set up a safety supervision team for each
of the railway projects to closely monitor the implementation of site safety measures.
The information on industrial accidents on sites and casualties involved for the Hong Kong
section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), the West Island
Line (WIL), the South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)), the Kwun Tong Line Extension (KTE)
and the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) projects over the past five financial years are tabulated
below:
Railway Project 2011-12 to
2015-16 (up to end December 2015)
Number of
industrial accidents
Number of
deaths
Number of
injuries
XRL 584 3 581
WIL 168 1 167
SIL(E) 274 0 277
KTE 84 0 84
SCL 191 2 193
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)274
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3520)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government advise this Committee whether the design capacity of the Hong Kong
International Airport (HKIA) can be fully utilised, and whether the Mainland authorities
will open up more airspace for use by flights from Hong Kong? During 2016-17, will the
work under this Programme include conducting discussions and relevant studies with the
Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) over the opening-up of airspace? If yes,
what are the specific work plans? If no, what are the reasons for that?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 223)
Reply:
According to a study conducted in 2008 by the aviation consultant of the Airport Authority
Hong Kong (AA), the National Air Traffic Services, the practical maximum capacity of the
existing Two-Runway System (2RS) at the HKIA is some 420 000 air traffic movements
(ATM) per year. This study has taken into account the latest development in aircraft
technology, the terrain constraint surrounding the HKIA, the development of air networks,
travel trends, and the historical growth of traffic at the HKIA, etc.
Amid the robust growth of the ATMs at the HKIA in the past few years, the ATMs at the
HKIA reached 406 000 in 2015, representing a 3.8% growth year-on-year. In terms of the
ATMs per hour, the declared runway capacity of the existing 2RS has reached its maximum
capacity of 68 ATMs per hour in 2015. While the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and
the AA will continue to monitor the air traffic growth situation, and strive to fully utilise the
runway capacity of the 2RS, there is a pressing need to implement the Three-Runway
System (3RS) project to cater for the long-term air traffic demand of the HKIA and maintain
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 8
Hong Kong’s competitiveness amidst increasing competition from the neighbouring
airports.
The CAAC, the CAD and the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao (CAAM) jointly
established the Tripartite Working Group (TWG) in 2004 to formulate measures to enhance
the air traffic management arrangements in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in order to
rationalise and optimise the PRD airspace management. The TWG drew up the “Pearl
River Delta Region Air Traffic Management Planning and Implementation Plan (Version
2.0)” (the Plan) in 2007, based on the principles of joint airspace planning, use of common
standards, and harmonised flight procedure design, setting out various air traffic
management enhancement measures to be adopted. The Plan has taken into consideration
Hong Kong’s need for the 3RS as well as expansion plans of neighbouring airports in the
PRD.
Through the collaborative efforts of the TWG, a number of airspace enhancement measures
in the Plan have been successfully implemented, including the establishment of additional
handover points, peripheral flight paths in the PRD region, the adjustment of the Zhuhai
airspace structure, etc. In January 2016, through the co-operation platform of the TWG,
new air routes for the eastern part of the Mainland and an additional handover point for
flights operating between Hong Kong, Macao and the eastern part of the Mainland have also
been successfully implemented. This measure enhances the efficiency of air routes for the
eastern part of the Mainland.
In 2016-17, the CAD will continue to contribute to the discussions of the TWG and
co-ordinate with the CAAC and the CAAM in order to enhance the efficient use of airspace
in the PRD region in a progressive manner, with a view to further increasing the air
transport capacity in the PRD region thus benefitting the HKIA’s growth.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 5 9 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)275
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3521)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the operation of the Terminals of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA),
will the Government advise on:
(a) the respective figures on the annual passenger throughput, the utilisation rate of the
commercial floor area and the utilisation rate of check-in counters of the Terminal 1
(T1) and the Terminal 2 (T2) of the HKIA over the past five years (please list the
breakdown by year and by item); and
(b) whether the Government is aware of the news that the Airport Authority Hong Kong
(AA) is planning to close and re-develop the T2, and if so, whether the Government
has formulated corresponding work plans for follow-up in 2016-17. If yes, what are
the specific details and their timetables; if no, the reasons for that?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 224)
Reply:
(a) Currently, there are 321 and 56 check-in counters at the T1 and the T2 of the HKIA
respectively. The T1 is currently serving as a terminal for arrival, departure and
transfer/transit passengers. The T2 is currently serving as a departures only terminal
(no arrivals and transfer/transits), with a coach station and a retail hub.
According to the AA, the passenger traffic (in terms of departure) at the T1 and the T2
in the past five years was as follows:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 0
Calendar Year Passenger traffic (departure)
Trips (in million)
T1 T2
2011 15.8 2.7
2012 17.1 2.5
2013 18.4 2.9
2014 19.3 3.2
2015 20.3 3.7
The number of counters and the time to be open for passenger check-in services are
determined mainly by the airlines’ flight schedule and the passenger volume. The
average occupancy rate of the retail area in T1 and T2 was 99% and 96% respectively
in the past three years.
(b) The expansion of T2 to provide full-fledged terminal services forms part of the
Three-runway System (3RS) project. The Transport Branch of the Transport and
Housing Bureau set up a dedicated Airport Expansion Project Coordination Office
(AEPCO) in 2012 to assist, monitor and support AA in the implementation of the 3RS
project, including the expansion of the T2. The AEPCO will also assist in
co-ordinating any interface issue between various bureaux/departments and the AA
during the implementation process. The office comprises three directorate officers
and eight non-directorate officers from the Administrative Officer, Engineer and
Executive Officer grades, as well as clerical and secretarial staff. The AEPCO will
also appoint independent professional consultants to provide support in the monitoring
work. The scope of the consultancy services will mainly be as follows -
(a) aiming to assist in the satisfactory delivery of the 3RS project having regard to
cost-effectiveness, fit-for-purpose and value-for-money;
(b) independent review of the design works by the AA to ensure full compliance
with relevant statutory requirements and technical standards;
(c) provision of expert advice on tender documentation and contract procurement
strategy, with particular focus on claims avoidance and mechanism for dispute
resolution; and
(d) keeping under close review the overall construction process with particular
emphasis on cost control, progress monitoring, works quality and contract
interfacing arrangements.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)276
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3522)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the development of the Three-Runway System (3RS), please advise on:
(a) the latest estimated cost of the 3RS project;
(b) the details (such as venue, date and time, number of participants and government
representatives) of the consultations (such as public consultation meetings and
meetings with the industry or various organisations) conducted for the Hong Kong
International Airport Master Plan 2030 over the past three years, the expenditure and
manpower resources involved and the consultations’ effectiveness, with all information
set out by year and by consultation;
(c) the respective figures on annual runway capacity, flight movements and utilisation rate
of the airport at Chek Lap Kok over the past five years; and
(d) the details, effectiveness, expenditure and manpower resources involved for the
initiatives on enhancing the capacity of the existing runways and other airport facilities
over the past five years, and whether any assessments have been conducted on the
extent and level to which the capacity of the existing runways and other airport
facilities should be enhanced to remove the need to commence the 3RS project.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 225)
Reply:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 2
(a) According to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), the cost of the 3RS project is
estimated to be around $ 141.5 billion in money-of-the-day prices.
(b) Over the past years, the AA has reached out to promote the 3RS project and conducted
regular briefings as well as airport visits for business and aviation sectors, community
leaders, resident groups, professional and industry organisations, Members of the
Legislative and District Councils, green groups, the media, and school and academic
sector. The AA has established five Community Liaison Groups with members
comprising District Councillors and community/resident leaders of the five districts
more concerned with airport operations (i.e. Islands, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Kwai
Tsing and Shatin), as well as four Technical Briefing Groups comprising members of
relevant professionals, experts and academia. Besides, the AA also organised two
public forums, with over 700 participants each, in August 2013 and June 2014 to
exchange views on the 3RS project.
In 2015, the AA set up the Professional Liaison Group comprising relevant
professional/experts to facilitate communications, enquiries and the handling of
complaints on environmental issues related to the 3RS project. Relevant information
of the project including the detailed design, progress of construction, operation,
environmental monitoring and audit results will be shared with the Group.
The above activities were conducted using the AA’s internal resources, and were held
in various venues including the airport, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition
Centre, etc. Through the series of public engagement activities, the AA was able to
gauge the views of various stakeholders as well as enhance their understanding of the
3RS project. The number of engagement activities over the past three years is
summarised below:
Year Number of Activities
2013 319
2014 278
2015 333
(c) According to a study conducted in 2008 by the AA’s aviation consultant, National Air
Traffic Services (NATS), the practical maximum capacity of the existing
Two-Runway System (2RS) at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is some
420 000 air traffic movements (ATMs) per year. The annual runway capacity, the
ATMs and utilisation rate of HKIA over the past five years are provided below.
Figures are rounded up to the nearest thousands.
Year Runway capacity Total air traffic Utilisation rate
2011 420 000 334 000 80%
2012 420 000 352 000 84%
2013 420 000 372 000 89%
2014 420 000 391 000 93%
2015 420 000 406 000 97%
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 3
(d) To cope with medium-term demand, the AA is investing over $12 billion to construct
new facilities. The AA has completed its west apron expansion project which
provides 28 aircraft parking stands, a cross-runway vehicular tunnel and other related
supporting facilities. The $10 billion Midfield Concourse also commenced operation
in December 2015. This new passenger concourse provides 20 additional aircraft
parking stands, and will be able to handle an additional ten million passengers
annually. Notwithstanding the above expansion projects which could incrementally
and temporarily provide more capacity, the HKIA is expected to reach its maximum
practical capacity of 68 ATMs per hour (as confirmed by NATS) very soon in 2016 or
2017. It is essential to take forward the implementation of the 3RS project as soon as
possible, in order to cater for the long-term air traffic demand and maintain Hong
Kong’s competitiveness amidst increasing competition from neighbouring airports.
The work involved was undertaken by the AA’s internal manpower resources.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)277
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3523)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the Hong Kong International
Airport Master Plan 2030 (MP 2030), please advise on:
(a) the current progress, the expenditure and manpower involved and the anticipated time
of completion;
(b) the details (such as venue, date and time, number of participants and government
representatives) of the consultations (such as public consultation meetings and
meetings with the industry or various organisations) conducted for the EIA of the MP
2030 over the past three years and the expenditure and manpower involved, with all
information set out by year and by consultation; and
(c) assessments on mitigation measures that would be more comprehensive than those
specified in the EIA Ordinance to be taken by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA)
for the Three-Runway System (3RS) project, given that the Government may include
conditions in relation to mitigation measures in an environmental permit under the
Ordinance.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 226)
Reply:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 5
(a)&(c)
The AA, being the proponent of the 3RS project, has successfully completed the statutory
EIA process for the project. The Director of Environmental Protection approved the 3RS
EIA report and granted the Environmental Permit (EP) on 7 November 2014. The cost of
the EIA study was about $100 million. The study was conducted by a team of consultants
comprising international experts on relevant environmental fields. The AA is committed
to implementing all environmental mitigation measures included in the EIA report and fully
complying with the EP conditions.
(b)
Over the past years, to promote the 3RS project and in connection with the EIA, the AA has
conducted regular briefings as well as airport visits for business and aviation sectors,
community leaders, resident groups, professional and industry organisations, Members of
the Legislative and District Councils, green groups, the media, and school and academic
sector. The AA has established five Community Liaison Groups with members
comprising District Councillors and community/resident leaders of the five districts more
concerned with airport operations (i.e. Islands, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing and
Shatin), as well as four Technical Briefing Groups comprising members of relevant
professionals, experts and academia. Besides, the AA also organised two public forums,
with over 700 participants each, in August 2013 and June 2014 to exchange views on the
3RS project.
In 2015, to fulfill relevant conditions included in the EP, the AA set up the Professional
Liaison Group comprising relevant professional/experts to facilitate communications,
enquiries and the handling of complaints on environmental issues related to the 3RS project.
Relevant information of the project including the detailed design, progress of construction,
operation, environmental monitoring and audit results will be shared with the Group.
The above activities were conducted using the AA’s internal resources, and were held in
various venues including the airport, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, etc.
Through the series of public engagement activities, the AA was able to gauge the views of
various stakeholders as well as enhance their understanding of the 3RS project and the EIA
process. The number of engagement activities over the past three years is summarised
below.
Year Number of Activities
2013 319
2014 278
2015 333
-End-
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)278
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3524)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the financial provision for air and sea communications and logistics development
made by the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB), the estimate for 2016-17 is 50% higher
than the actual expenditure in 2015-16 and the revised estimate for 2015-16. Please advise
on the details of and reasons for that. As regards the increase of seven posts, the setting up
of the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (MATF) and an item related to the
Three-Runway System (3RS) Project as mentioned in it, what are the reasons, details,
staffing provision, timetable involved and the effectiveness expected to be achieved?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 227)
Reply:
The increase of $58.7 million (M) or 54.3% under Programme 3 in the Estimate for 2016-17
as compared to the Revised Estimate in 2015-16 is mainly due to:
(a) an increase in cash flow requirements for two non-recurrent items, viz. (i) $35.9M for a
new item on the Monitoring and Verification Services Consultancy for the detailed
design and construction stages of the 3RS Project in 2016-17, and (ii) $5.75M for the
continual implementation of the MATF;
(b) an increase in salary provision of $4.04M arising from the net increase of seven posts in
2016-17; and
(c) an increase in general departmental expenses.
There will be a net increase of seven non-directorate posts in Programme (3) in 2016-17.
Among them, six posts, including two in the Executive Officer grade and four in the
Clerical Officer grade, will be created to support the newly established Hong Kong
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 7
Maritime and Port Board, which is a high-level platform for the Government to work
closely with the industry to promote the growth of high value-added and professional
maritime services in Hong Kong, foster the development of maritime manpower, and devise
strategies and initiatives to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre.
The deployment of an Administrative Officer post is being finalised in the light of the latest
operational requirement of the THB (Transport Branch).
The $100M-MATF was set up in April 2014 to enhance manpower training support for the
two industries. The MATF has since implemented a number of training and incentive
schemes to encourage young people to join the maritime and aviation sectors, and support
in-service practitioners to enhance their professional competency. For 2016-17, it is
estimated that some 800 persons will benefit from schemes under the MATF.
The estimated costs for the employment of consultants to provide monitoring and
verification services during detailed design stage and construction stage of the 3RS project
are $90.7M and $93.7M respectively. The briefs of the consultants will mainly be as
follows -
(a) aiming to assist in the satisfactory delivery of the 3RS project having regard to
cost-effectiveness, fit-for-purpose and value-for-money;
(b) independent review of the design works by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) to
ensure full compliance with relevant statutory requirements and technical standards;
(c) provision of expert advice on tender documentation and contract procurement strategy,
with particular focus on claims avoidance and mechanism for dispute resolution; and
(d) keeping under close review the overall construction process with particular emphasis
on cost control, progress monitoring, works quality and contract interfacing
arrangements.
Subject to funding approval, the first consultancy is planned to commence in the latter half
of 2016 for completion by end 2019 to provide monitoring and verification services during
the detailed design stage of the 3RS project. The second consultancy is to cover the
construction stage of the project, and its start date will tie in with the AA’s construction
programme for the 3RS project. The second consultancy is expected to last for eight years.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)279
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6198)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Director of Bureau’s Office
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding overseas duty visits, exchanges and other work by the Secretary for Transport
and Housing (STH) and relevant officers in the past five years, please provide information
on the number of such activities, number of officers, their post titles, number of days, details
of overseas duty visits (including name of country/city, length of stay and number of
officers), subjects of overseas exchanges, and the expenditure and manpower involved by
year and by overseas duty visit/exchange.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 218)
Reply:
Relevant information concerning Programme (1) on duty visits by the STH in the past five
years is as follows:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 0 9
Former STH Date of
Visit
(Number of
visits)
Place of Visit Number of
entourage from
the Director of
Bureau’s
Office
Purpose of Visit Total Expenditure
2011-12
(6)
Seoul,
Shenzhen,
Zhuhai,
Los Angeles
and San
Francisco,
Beijing,
Chongqing
The
Administrative
Assistant to
STH and/or the
Press Secretary
to STH would
accompany the
STH during
duty visits
having regard
to operational
needs.
(i) To attend meetings (e.g to attend the 7th
Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC)
Transportation Ministerial Meeting in the US)
(ii) To meet relevant Government officials and
representatives of local organisations (e.g to meet
and exchange views with Mainland officials on
transportation issues to understand the railway and
housing development in the Mainland)
(iii) To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead a
delegation of the Hong Kong Maritime Industry
Council (MIC) and the Hong Kong Port
Development Council (PDC) to South Korea to
exchange views with local ship companies and
promote Hong Kong as an international maritime
centre; and to lead the delegation of the Hong Kong
Housing Authority to Chongqing to exchange
experience in public housing with officials of the
municipality)
About
$485,500
Present STH Date of
Visit
(Number of
visits)
Place of Visit Number of
entourage from
the Director of
Bureau’s
Office
Purpose of Visit Total Expenditure
2012-13
(5)
Guangzhou,
Dalian,
Beijing,
Zhuhai
The
Administrative
Assistant to
STH and/or the
Press Secretary
to STH would
accompany the
STH during
duty visits
having regard
to operational
needs.
(i) To attend meetings (e.g to attend the
HongKong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint
Conference and meetings relating to the
HongKong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) project)
(ii) To pay courtesy visits, meet relevant Government
officials and representatives of local organisations
(e.g to meet and exchange views with Mainland
officials on transportation issues and meet the Hong
Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council
(HKMAO))
(iii)To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead the
delegation of the MIC and the PDC to Dalian to
promote the maritime services offered by Hong
Kong)
About
$62,900
2013-14
(11)
Singapore,
Shanghai,
Brussels,
Frankfurt,
Florence,
Milan,
Tokyo,
Beijing,
Zhuhai,
Taipei,
Shenzhen,
Guangzhou
(i) To attend meetings (e.g to attend the 8th APEC
Transportation Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo,
Japan; and meetings relating to the HZMB project)
(ii) To pay courtesy visits, meet relevant Government
officials and representatives of local organisations
(e.g to meet and exchange views with the Singapore
Government officials to understand the latest
development of transportation and housing in
Singapore; and to meet and exchange views with
Mainland officials on transportation issues, and
meet the HKMAO)
About
$462,000
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 0
(iii) To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead a
delegation of the Hong Kong Logistics
Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL) to
Brussels, Frankfurt, Florence and Milan to promote
Hong Kong’s logistics industry; to lead a Hong
Kong maritime delegation to participate in Marintec
China 2013 in Shanghai; and to lead a Hong Kong
maritime delegation to Taipei to meet and exchange
views with the local maritime sectors)
(iv)To accompany the Chief Executive (CE) on his duty
visit
2014-15
(13)
Athens,
Guangzhou,
London,
Rotterdam,
Amsterdam,
Beijing,
Macao,
Kuala
Lumpur,
Shenzhen,
Zhuhai
(i) To attend meetings (e.g to attend meetings relating
to the HZMB project, the Hong Kong/Guangdong
Co-operation Joint Conference and the Hong
Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation Meeting)
(ii) To pay courtesy visits, meet relevant Government
officials and representatives of local organisations
(e.g to visit and exchange views with relevant
authorities and key market players of the maritime
industry and transportation in the UK, to visit the
European Port in the Netherlands and learn about
the logistics development; and to meet and
exchange views with Mainland officials on
transportation and civil aviation issues, and meet
the HKMAO)
(iii) To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead a
delegation of the MIC to Athens to attend Posidonia
2014, an international maritime exhibition; and lead
a delegation of the LOGSCOUNCIL and the PDC
to Malaysia to promote Hong Kong as a regional
logistics hub)
(iv) To accompany the CE on his duty visit
About
$720,100
2015-16@
(14)
Beijing,
Hamburg,
Shenzhen,
Taoyuan,
Zhuhai,
Guangzhou,
Cebu,
Vienna,
Seoul and
Busan
(i) To attend meetings and events (e.g to attend the 9th
APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting in Cebu,
The Philippines; to participate in the Intercity
Forum 2015 in Taoyuan and the Walk 21 Vienna
2015 – XVI International Conference on Walking
and Liveable Communities in Vienna, Austria; and
to attend meetings relating to the HZMB project)
(ii) To pay courtesy visits, meet relevant Government
officials and representatives of local organisations
(e.g to meet and exchange views with Mainland
officials on transportation and civil aviation issues,
and meet the HKMAO)
(iii) To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead a
delegation of the MIC and the PDC to promote
Hong Kong’s maritime services and to strengthen
links with the maritime sectors in Germany; and to
lead a delegation of the LOGCOUNCIL and the
PDC to South Korea to promote Hong Kong’s
strengths as a regional logistics hub)
(iv)To accompany the CE on his duty visit
About
$593,400
The above duty visits lasted for one to ten days per trip. _______________________________________________________________
@ Included duty visits made between 1 April 2015 and 7 March 2016.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)280
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6199)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
During 2016-17, will the Government conduct studies and public consultation on the
measures listed below to contain the growth of private cars or road traffic congestion in
commercial areas? If yes, what are the work plan, timetable and estimated expenditure for
each measure? The measures include:
(a) imposing a cap on the number of licences for private cars;
(b) increasing the first registration tax and licence fee for private cars; and
(c) implementing electronic road pricing (ERP).
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 220)
Reply:
The Government agrees in-principle to take forward in phases the host of short, medium and
long-term measures recommended by the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) in
December 2014 to alleviate road traffic congestion, having regard to stakeholders’ views,
feasibility of available options and overseas experience, etc. Increasing the first
registration tax and annual licence fee for private cars and planning of an ERP pilot scheme
are amongst the recommendations put forward by the TAC.
In December 2015, the Government launched a three-month public engagement exercise for
the ERP pilot scheme in Central and its adjacent areas. After the public engagement
exercise, the Government will engage a consultant to carry out an in-depth feasibility study
to develop detailed options for further public engagement. The resources needed for the
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 2
feasibility study can be estimated when the scope of the study is determined after collating
and analysing the public views.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)281
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6860)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the consultancy studies commissioned by the Transport and Housing Bureau
(THB) and the departments under its purview for the purpose of formulating and assessing
policies, please provide information about the studies in the following format.
(a) Please provide details of the public policy studies and strategic public policy studies
commissioned with funds allocated from 2011 to 2016.
Name of
Consultant
Mode of
Award
(open
auction/
tender/
quotation/
others
(please
specify))
Title,
Content and
Objectives
of Project
Consultancy
Fee ($) Start
Date Progress of
Study (under
planning/in
progress/
completed
(completion
month and
year))
The
Government’s
Follow-ups to
the Study
Report and their
progress (if
any)
For completed
studies, have
they been
made public?
If yes, through
what
channels? If
no, why?
(b) Regarding the consultancy studies commissioned by the THB and the departments
under its purview for the purpose of formulating and assessing policies, are there any
such projects for which funds have been reserved in 2016-17? If yes, what are the
details?
Name of
Consultant
Mode of
Award
(open
auction/
tender/
quotation/
others
(please
specify))
Title,
Content and
Objectives
of Project
Consultancy
Fee ($) Start
Date Progress of
Study (under
planning/in
progress/
completed
(completion
month and
year))
The
Government’s
Follow-ups to
the Study
Report and their
progress (if
any)
For completed
studies, have
they been
made public?
If yes, through
what
channels? If
no, why?
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 4
Asked by: Hon CHEUNG Kwok-che (Member Question No. 1088)
Reply:
Details of the policy studies commissioned with funds allocated from 2011-12 to 2015-16,
and for which funds have been reserved in 2016-17, are provided in the table below:
Name of
Consultant
Mode of
Award
(open
auction/
tender/
quotation/
others
(please
specify))
Title, Content and
Objectives of Project
Consultancy Fee
($ million)
Start Date Progress of
Study
The Government’s
Follow-ups to the
Study Report and
their progress (if
any)
For completed
studies, have
they been made
public? If yes,
through what
channels? If no,
why?
Wilbur Smith
Associates
Limited
Tender
Consultancy Services
for Providing Expert
Advice on Rationalising
the Utilisation of Road
Harbour Crossings
(RHCs) To study the capacities
of the three RHCs,
taking into account their geographic locations
and capacity of the
connecting road networks, and identify
options feasible in
transport, financial, organisational and legal
terms, to improve traffic
distribution among the RHCs.
0.775
(2011-12)
Nov 2008 Completed After announcing
the findings and
recommendations of
the consultancy study in Nov 2010,
the Government
completed in the first quarter of 2011
a three-month public
consultation.
In the light of the
views received during the public
consultation
conducted in 2011, the Government
studied and
modified some of the toll adjustment
options
recommended by the consultants to
address the requests
from the public and the trade. The
Government put
forward three toll adjustment options
as proposed measures to improve
the traffic
distribution among the RHCs on
8 Feb 2013 for a
further three-month public consultation.
The report of the
consultancy study
has been uploaded
to the THB's website.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 5
AECOM Asia
Company Limited
Tender Consultancy Study on
Potential
Reprovisioning Sites
for Oil Depots Affected
by the Proposed Port
Development at
Southwest Tsing Yi To identify potential
reprovisioning sites for
oil depots which may be affected by the proposed
port development at
Southwest Tsing Yi and to conduct assessments
on environmental
impacts and traffic impacts, etc.
3.204
(2011-12)
0.181
(2012-13)
Apr 2009 Completed N/A The Executive
Summary was uploaded on the
websites of the
Hong Kong Port Development
Council (PDC)
and Hong Kong Maritime Industry
Council (MIC) in
Dec 2014. Findings form part
of the Preliminary
Feasibility Study for Container
Terminal 10 at
Southwest Tsing Yi.
Ove Arup & Partners
HongKong
Ltd
Tender Traffic Study for
Admiralty
To review the existing
vehicular / pedestrian
traffic conditions in
Admiralty in view of the increase in developments
in the area (e.g. the
Central Government Offices, the West Island
Line and the South
Island Line (East)), and to assess the same up to
2026. The Study
formulated transport plans and improvement
schemes to address the
transport demands in Admiralty. The Study
commenced in May 2010
and was completed in Jun 2012.
1.418 (2011-12)
0.252
(2012-13)
May 2010 Completed The proposed improvement works
are being carried out
by the Highways
Department (HyD).
The Executive Summary has
been uploaded to
the Transport
Department
(TD)'s homepage.
AECOM Asia Company
Limited
Tender Traffic Study for Pok
Fu Lam Area
To review the existing traffic conditions and
assess the traffic impacts
due to the proposed lifting of the Pok Fu Lam
Moratorium.
0.482 (2011-12)
0.401 (2012-13)
0.243 (2013-14)
Dec 2010 Completed The TD followed up on the results of the
consultancy study
and completed an in-house preliminary
traffic impact
assessment (TIA) in late 2013 for the
proposed public
housing developments /
redevelopments of
six sites in the southern part of the
Pok Fu Lam area.
The assessment showed that the
additional traffic
impact to be
generated by the
proposed
developments / redevelopments
would not be
substantial.
As the study involves sensitive
land development
information, the Government has
no plan to release
the study report.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 6
MVA Hong
Kong Limited
Tender TIA for Long-term
Logistics Development
in Kwai Tsing Area
To update and assess the traffic impacts of the
proposed logistics
developments in the light of the latest
developments in the
district, and to recommend improvement
measures required to
effectively mitigate the impacts.
0.711
(2011-12)
0.186
(2012-13)
Dec 2010 Completed The traffic
improvement measures
recommended for
Tsing Yi were presented to the
Traffic and
Transport Committee of the
Kwai Tsing District
Council on 18 Oct 2012.
Executive
Summary of the Study is available
for public viewing
on the TD’s website.
AECOM Asia Company
Limited
Tender Consultancy Study on
Review and Update of
the Railway
Development Strategy
(RDS) 2000
To review and update the
RDS 2000 for Hong
Kong to meet the needs
of domestic and cross-boundary railway
transport by 2031.
10.004 (2011-12)
10.767 (2012-13)
13.132
(2013-14)
1.566 (2014-15)
0.758 (2015-16)
1.800 (2016-17)
Mar 2011 Completed In the light of the findings of the
consultancy study,
the Government formulated the RDS
2014,
recommending that
seven recommended
railway projects be
completed in the planning horizon up
to 2031 having
regard to transport demand,
cost-effectiveness
and the development needs of New
Development Areas
and other new developments.
Executive Summary of the
Study is available
for public viewing on the websites of
the THB and the
HyD.
Wilbur Smith Associates
Limited
Written quotations
Detailed Traffic
Assessment of Toll
Arrangements for
RHCs
To update the transport
model to reflect the latest traffic demand and
conditions;
to examine the feasibility
and traffic impact of
toll-related suggestions received during the
public consultation; and
to carry out detailed
traffic assessment and
formulate toll scenarios for the three RHCs with
a view to achieving a
better distribution of traffic.
0.591 (2011-12)
0.127 (2012-13)
0.694 (2013-14)
May 2011 Completed Taking into account views received
during the public
consultation conducted in 2011,
the Government
studied and modified some of
the toll adjustment
options recommended by the
consultants to
address the requests from the public and
the trade. The
Government put forward three toll
adjustment options
as proposed measures to improve
the traffic
distribution among the RHCs on
8 Feb 2013 for a
further three-month
public consultation.
Details of the three toll
adjustment
options formulated on the
basis of the
findings of the consultancy study
were set out in the
public consultation paper
issued in
Feb 2013.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 7
BMT Asia
Pacific Limited
Tender Consultancy Study on
the Strategic
Development Plan for
Hong Kong Port 2030
To review relevant
factors to update the port
cargo forecasts and recommend how to make
more efficient use of the
existing port facilities and review the future
development plan.
0.208
(2011-12)
0.208
(2012-13)
0.831
(2013-14)
0.856
(2014-15)
0.208
(2015-16)
Jul 2011 Completed The Government
will collaborate with relevant
stakeholders to
implement feasible measures to improve
the operational
efficiency of the Hong Kong Port.
The Executive
Summary was uploaded on the
websites of the
PDC and the MIC in Dec 2014.
BMT Asia
Pacific Limited
Tender Consultancy Study on
Enhancing Hong
Kong’s Position as an
International Maritime
Centre
To map out strategies for
enhancing Hong Kong's
position as an
international maritime
centre taking into account prevailing
opportunities and
challenges.
0.277
(2011-12)
0.555
(2012-13)
1.387
(2013-14)
0.555
(2014-15)
Nov 2011 Completed Making reference to
the consultant’s findings, the
Government set up
the Hong Kong Maritime and Port
Board (MPB) on
1 Apr 2016.
The final report
and the executive summary are
available for
public viewing on the website of the
MIC.
ICF
International Ltd
Written
quotations Consultancy for the
Study of Fare
Adjustment
Mechanism (FAM) of
the MTR Corporation
Limited (MTRCL)
1.342
(2012-13)
Dec 2011 Completed Recommendations
made in the report served as reference
in the review on the
FAM of the MTRCL by the
Government.
The review
outcome was announced in
April 2013.
Details of the FAM review were
set out in the
Legislative Council (LegCo)
Brief issued to
Members on 17 Apr 2013.
Asia
Consulting Group
Limited
Tender Financial Consultancy
Study (Appointment of
Financial Adviser) for
the Hong Kong
International Airport
Master Plan 2030
To advise the
Government on the
financial and economic aspects relating to the
Master Plan 2030.
2.655
(2012-13)
Dec 2011 Completed We made reference
to the findings of the study when
considering the
recommendation on the Master Plan
2030 submitted by the Airport
Authority Hong
Kong (AA) in Dec 2011.
Key findings of
the study have been set out in the
LegCo Brief on
the Government’s decision on the
Master Plan 2030 issued on
20 Mar 2012.
AECOM Asia Company
Limited
Tender Ecological Assessment
for Logistics
Development in Tuen
Mun Area 49
To ascertain the
acceptability of the proposed logistics
development from
ecological perspective; and to identify and
develop practicable
improvement measures to address the ecological
impacts in the Study
Area.
0.205 (2012-13)
0.051 (2013-14)
Oct 2012 Completed The findings will be submitted to the
Town Planning
Board for consideration in
relation to the
planning application for the proposed
logistics
development in Tuen Mun Area 49.
The Executive Summary was
uploaded on the
website of the Hong Kong
Logistics
Development Council.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 8
AECOM Asia
Company Limited
Tender Traffic Study for
Causeway Bay West -
Feasibility Study
To conduct a TIA to identify the traffic
problems within the
study area and to develop improvement
schemes to resolve the
traffic problems.
0.260
(2012-13)
0.540
(2013-14)
Dec 2012 Completed TD is studying the
improvement schemes
recommended under
the study.
The Executive
Summary has been uploaded to
TD's homepage.
Deloitte &
Touche Financial
Advisory
Services Ltd
Written
quotations Appointment of
Financial Consultant
for the Review of the
FAM of the MTRCL
1.038
(2013-14)
Mar 2013 Completed Deliverables of the
consultancy served as reference in the
review on the FAM
of the MTRCL by the Government.
The review
outcome was announced in
Apr 2013.
Details of the FAM review
were set out in
the LegCo Brief issued to
Members on
17 Apr 2013.
Milliman
Limited
Tender Consultancy on the
implementation of a
Marine Traffic
Accident Victims
Assistance Scheme
To assess the feasibility
of setting up an independent assistance
scheme for victims of
marine traffic accidents.
0.750
(2014-15)
Apr 2013 Completed In the light of the
consultant’s findings, the
introduction of a
Marine Traffic Accident Victims
Assistance Scheme
will not be pursued at this stage.
The major
findings of the study were set out
in the LegCo
Panel on Economic
Development (ED
Panel) paper in May 2015.
ICF
International
Ltd
Written
quotation Consultancy for the
Review on the Fare
Adjustment
Arrangement (FAA)
for Franchised Buses
0.425
(2014-15)
0.567
(2015-16)
0.426
(2016-17)
Sep 2013 In progress Recommendations
made in the report
will serve as reference in the
review of the FAA
for Franchised Buses by the
Government, as part
of the Public Transport Strategy
Study (PTSS) due
for completion in mid-2017.
The outcome of the
review will be made
public.
N/A
AECOM Asia
Company
Limited
Tender Transport and TIA –
under Technical
Feasibility Study For
Proposed Land Uses in
Tuen Mun Areas 38 &
49
To assess the traffic
impacts of the proposed logistics developments
and to recommend
improvement measures required to effectively
mitigate the impacts.
0.228
(2013-14)
1.245
(2014-15)
0.505
(2015-16)
Dec 2013 Completed The findings were
presented to the
Tuen Mun District Council (TMDC) on
3 Mar 2015 in
relation to the proposed logistics
development in
Tuen Mun Areas 38 & 49.
The findings were
presented to the
TMDC on 3 Mar 2015.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 1 9
The Chinese
University of Hong Kong
Tender Study on the impact of
new entrants to Hong
Kong's aviation market
To study the different business models in the
international aviation
arena and to advise the Government on
strategies to further
develop Hong Kong as an aviation hub.
0.500
(2013-14)
Jan 2014 Completed N/A As the report
contains sensitive information on the
airline industry, it
has not been made public.
The Chinese University of
Hong Kong
Tender Study on the Operation
of Airlines and Airline
Groups
To study the latest
developments in the
international airline industry from both
economic and technical
perspectives.
0.322 (2013-14)
Jan 2014 Completed N/A As the report contains sensitive
information on the
airline industry, it has not been made
public.
MVA Hong
Kong Limited
Tender TIA for the Proposed
Development at
Murray Road
Multi-storey Car Park To carry out a TIA of the
proposed commercial
development for Murray Road Multi-storey Car
Park.
0.319
(2014-15)
0.183
(2015-16)
(This study was
funded by the Development
Bureau (DEVB))
Apr 2014 Completed N/A The findings were
presented to the Central and
Western District
Council on 16 Jul 2015.
Policy 21 Ltd Tender Provision of Services
for Conducting the
Stocktaking and
Identification Study on
Berthing
Arrangements for
Local Vessels
To survey the supply and
demand of berthing and sheltered space of Local
Vessels; to analyse and
predict future demand; and to collect feedback
from stakeholders to understand their views
and expectations.
0.741 (2014-15)
0.593 (2015-16)
0.148 (2016-17)
May 2014 In progress The Marine Department (MD)
closely monitors the
progress of the study. The survey
data is being
analysed, and the projections of
berthing and
sheltered space are being conducted.
Interviews with
stakeholders are in progress.
N/A
The Chinese University of
Hong Kong
Tender Consultancy Study on
Establishing a Civil
Aviation Training
Institute in Hong Kong
To assess the current
and future manpower supply and demand of
the aviation industry and
explore the feasibility of establishing a civil
aviation training
institute in Hong Kong.
0.560 (2014-15)
0.840 (2015-16)
Jun 2014 Completed The AA will establish a Civil
Aviation Academy
and has taken forward the project
based on the
consultancy study’s findings and
recommendations.
The findings and recommendations
were reported to
the Sub-group on Aviation under the
Working Group
on Transportation and the Economic
Development
Commission.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 0
AECOM Asia
Company Limited
Tender Preliminary Study on
Multi-storey Container
Tractor/Trailer and
Heavy Goods Vehicle
Carpark in Kwai
Chung Area
To assess the current and future parking
demand and supply of
different vehicles in the Kwai Tsing District, and
to prepare a conceptual
design of a multi-storey car park to
accommodate mainly
container vehicles and medium/heavy goods
vehicles.
0.524
(2014-15)
0.756
(2015-16)
Jun 2014 Being
finalised
N/A N/A
Tricor
Consulting
Limited
Written
quotation Business Case Study
for Establishing a New
Statutory Maritime
Body
To examine the business case of setting up a new
statutory maritime body
in terms of its operational and
financial sustainability,
and define scope of work and structure for the new
body.
0.300
(2014-15)
0.420
(2015-16)
0.128
(2016-17)
Jul 2014 Substantially
completed
In the light of the
consultant’s
recommendations,
the Government
established the MPB
on 1 Apr 2016 with three functional
committees led by
industry figures.
The main findings
of the study were
presented to the
LegCo ED Panel
on 23 Nov 2015.
H4 Maritime
Limited
Tender Consultancy to Provide
Expert Advice on the
Work of the MD with
Reference to Maritime
Authorities Adopting
Regulatory Regimes
Similar to Hong Kong’s
To advise on the work of the MD with reference to
the work of maritime
authorities of jurisdictions that adopt
regulatory regimes
similar to Hong Kong’s, including at least the
UK, in the area of port
control, vessel survey and inspection, vessel
equipment and
installations, entry qualifications and
training and
collaboration with other industry bodies.
The objective of the
consultancy is to provide
the MD with advice on
its work with regard to various regulatory,
management and
administrative issues by drawing upon the
experiences of overseas
maritime authorities, which adopt regulatory
regimes similar to Hong
Kong’s.
1.221
(2014-15)
0.815
(2015-16)
Sep 2014 Completed The findings of the
consultancy have
been reported to the Steering Committee
on Systemic Reform
of the MD for consideration. The
MD is following up
on the advice arising from the
consultancy and will
consult the trade where appropriate.
The major
findings of the
consultancy study will be reported to
the LegCo ED
Panel in due course.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 1
BMT Asia
Pacific Limited
Tender Risk Assessment on
“Fast Speed”
Locally-Licensed
Passenger-Carrying
Vessels (LLPCVs)
To prescribe a definition
of “fast speed” with respect to LLPCVs, and
to identify measures to
enhance the safety and control of “fast speed”
LLPCVs on the basis of
risk assessment(s).
0.349
(2014-15)
0.524
(2015-16)
Nov 2014 Completed The MD is studying
the findings of the consultancy study
and will consult the
trade on the recommendations of
the consultancy
study where appropriate.
The major
findings of the consultancy study
will be reported to
the LegCo ED Panel in due
course.
MVA Hong
Kong Limited
Tender TIA for the Proposed
Development near
junction of Lung
Cheung Road and Lion
Rock Tunnel Road
To carry out a TIA of the
proposed housing site
near junction of Lung
Cheung Road and Lion
Rock Tunnel Road.
0.144
(2014-15)
0.372
(2015-16)
0.084
(2016-17)
(This study is
funded by DEVB)
Dec 2014 In progress N/A N/A
AECOM Asia
Company Ltd
Tender TIA for the Proposed
Developments in
Stanley and Tai Tam
To carry out a TIA of the proposed housing site in
Stanley and Tai Tam.
0.109
(2014-15)
0.374
(2015-16)
0.197
(2016-17)
(This study is
funded by DEVB)
Jan 2015 In progress N/A N/A
PolyU
Technology
and Consultancy
Co. Ltd
Tender Consultancy on
Developing a Lifejacket
Suitable for Use by
Both Adults and
Children on Local
Vessels in the Waters of
Hong Kong
To explore the feasibility of developing a lifejacket
suitable for use by both adults and children
which complies with the
relevant international safety standards for use
on local vessels in Hong
Kong.
0.204
(2014-15)
1.432
(2015-16)
1.020
(2016-17)
Mar 2015 In progress N/A N/A
AECOM Asia
Company
Tender TIA for the Proposed
Development at Nam
Fung Road
To carry out a TIA of the
proposed housing sites at Nam Fung Road.
0.248
(2015-16)
0.342
(2016-17)
(This study is
funded by DEVB)
Apr 2015 In progress N/A N/A
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 2
CBRE
Limited
Written
quotations Consultancy study
relating to the
premium arrangement
for use of Government
land by the peak
tramway
To provide advice to the Government on the
premium arrangement
for the use of Government land for the
peak tramway operating
right commencing 1 Jan 2016
1.220
(2015-16)
Jun 2015 Completed The arrangement
was reported in the LegCo Brief of
2 Dec 2015 on the
operating right of the peak tramway
commencing
1 Jan 2016.
See the last
column.
MVA Hong Kong Limited
Tender TIA for the Proposed
Development in Tai Po
Kau and Ma Wo To carry out a TIA of the
proposed housing sites
in Tai Po Kau and Ma
Wo.
0.323 (2015-16)
0.225 (2016-17)
(This study is
funded by DEVB)
Aug 2015 In progress N/A N/A
NATS Services
(Asia Pacific)
PTE Limited
Written Quotation
The operational
readiness of the new
Air Traffic
Management System
(ATMS)
To conduct an independent assessment
of the operational
readiness (including system engineering and
safety assurance and
human factors) of the new ATMS being
implemented by the Civil
Aviation Department (CAD) before its
commissioning.
1.358 (2015-16)
Nov 2015 Completed The THB/CAD will make reference to
the consultant’s
observations and recommendations
when implementing
the ATMS.
We have reported the major findings
at the LegCo ED
Panel on 24 Mar 2016.
AECOM Asia Company
Limited
Quotation PTSS – Consultancy
Study on the
Assessment of
Desirability and
Feasibility of
Increasing the Seating
Capacity of Public
Light Buses
To assess whether it is
desirable and feasible to
increase the seating capacity of public light
buses
0.583 (2016-17)
Feb 2016 In progress N/A N/A
Asia Consulting
Group
Limited
Quotation PTSS – Consultancy
Study for Fares for
Premium Taxis
To advise the
Government on financial
matters related to possible introduction of
premium taxis
1.430 (2016-17)
Feb 2016 In progress N/A N/A
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 3
CBRE
Limited
Written
quotation Consultancy study on
financial matters
related to outlying
island ferry routes
To advise the
Government on financial
matters related to outlying island ferry
routes
1.200
(2016-17)
Mar 2016 In progress N/A N/A
NATS
Services
(Asia Pacific) PTE Limited
Written
Quotation Phased Transition
Approach for ATMS
and Overall Transition
Readiness for Air
Traffic Control (ATC)
Replacement System
To conduct an
independent assessment on the preparation and
implementation of the
new ATMS
1.430
(2016-17)
Apr 2016 In progress The THB/CAD will
make reference to
the consultant’s observations and
recommendations
when implementing the ATMS and ATC
Replacement
System.
N/A
Not yet
available
Written
Quotation Technical Assessment
for Long-term Barge
Berths in Tsing Yi
To ascertain the technical acceptability of
additional long-term
barge berths in Tsing Yi
1.400
(2016-17)
Apr 2016
(tentative)
Under
planning
N/A N/A
Not yet
available
Tender TIA for the Proposed
Developments in the
South of Ma Wan and
along Route Twisk,
Tsuen Wan
To carry out a TIA of the
proposed housing sites
in Ma Wan and along Route Twisk.
0.700
(2016-17)
(This study is
funded by DEVB)
Jun 2016
(tentative)
Under
planning
N/A N/A
Not yet available
Tender Study on Multi-storey
Complex for Container
Storage and Cargo
Handling in Tsing Yi –
Feasibility Study
To examine the feasibility of developing
a multi-storey complex
in Tsing Yi for accommodating
container related and
port back-up facilities
2.169 (2016-17)
Sep 2016 (tentative)
Under planning
N/A N/A
Not yet
available
Tender Roles and Positioning
Review of the PTSS
To examine the roles and
positioning of various public transport
services, including
franchised buses, public light buses, taxis,
non-franchised buses,
Light Rail, trams and ferries.
Not yet available
Q3 2016
(tentative)
Under
planning
N/A N/A
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 4
Not yet
available
Tender Study of Strategic and
Major Roads in Hong
Kong beyond 2030
To review and evaluate the broad-brush
transport proposals to be
drawn up under the HK2030+ Study
currently undertaken by
the Planning Department, and
recommend new
strategic and major roads to support
long-term land use
developments.
Not yet available Early 2017
(tentative)
Under
planning
N/A N/A
Not yet
available
Tender Study on Parking
Policy Review
To review the current
parking policy, develop a
coherent set of policy
directives and
recommend any policy changes and new
initiatives on parking
policy.
Not yet available Not yet
available
Under
planning
N/A N/A
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)282
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3593)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government conduct a comprehensive review of the existing “Priority to Railway”
policy in 2016-17 to decide whether our railway network should be further expanded? If
yes, what are the details and the estimated expenditure involved?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 11)
Reply:
Hong Kong is a densely populated city with limited road spaces. Our challenge is to
provide efficient and reliable public transport services for millions of passenger trips every
day. Our railway network now carries over five million passengers per day, accounting for
about 40% of all public transport passenger trips. The development of railway transport
can significantly speed up passenger flow, which cannot be easily achieved by other public
transport modes. Other more densely-populated cities such as Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul,
London and New York, etc, also rely on railway as their mass transport system.
The development of railway transport will not only reduce the reliance on road-based
transport, but also alleviate road congestion and lessen vehicle-induced pollution. The
development potential of areas along the railway lines will also be unleashed to facilitate
housing and economic development. Pursuant to the announcement of the Railway
Development Strategy 2014 that recommends seven new railway projects to be
implemented by 2031, we will continue to take forward the detailed planning work for the
Northern Link and Kwu Tung Station, the Tuen Mun South Extension and the East
Kowloon Line in 2016-17.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 6
While it is the Government’s policy to continue to use railways as the backbone of our
passenger transport system, we also strive to build a diversified public transport system.
To this end, the Government is conducting the Public Transport Strategy Study (PTSS) to
examine the roles and positioning of public transport services (other than heavy rail) to
enhance their complementarity. This is to ensure that the public can enjoy efficient
services with reasonable modal choices, while public transport operators can enjoy
long-term sustainable development. Amongst various public transport services to be
covered in the PTSS, the long term development of the Light Rail will be reviewed under
the “Role and Positioning Review” of the PTSS. The topics to be covered include (1) the
feasibility of increasing carrying capacity of the Light Rail with the original design of the
system; (2) the feasibility of upgrading the existing Light Rail system to increase the
carrying capacity; (3) the long-term demand of North West New Territories for public
transport services; and (4) the roles of various public transport services including the Light
Rail in meeting such demand. The PTSS is expected to be completed by mid-2017 and the
findings will be announced.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)283
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3611)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What is the specific launch date of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) scheme after the
Transport and Housing Bureau has completed the ERP pilot scheme in Central and its
adjacent areas, and what are the number of staff involved and the estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 138)
Reply:
The Government launched a three-month public engagement exercise for the Electronic
Road Pricing pilot scheme in Central and its adjacent areas (the Central District ERP Pilot
Scheme) in December 2015. After the public engagement exercise, the Government will
engage a consultant to carry out an in-depth feasibility study to develop detailed options for
further public engagement. The cost of implementing the Central District ERP Pilot
Scheme will depend on a multitude of factors, such as the size of the charging area and the
choice of ERP technology, and will be estimated in the feasibility study. There is as yet no
planned date for implementing the Pilot Scheme.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)284
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4862)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the details and estimated expenditure of the Public Transport Strategy
Study (PTSS) to be carried out in 2016-17. Please also advise whether public consultation
will be conducted for the PTSS and the details and estimated expenditure involved.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 19)
Reply:
In late 2014, the Government has rolled out the two parts of the PTSS, namely the Role and
Positioning Review (RPR) and the Topical Study in phases, to conduct a systemic review of
the roles and positioning of public transport services other than heavy rail, and to study
some important topical issues that are of concern to the public transport trades. The aim of
the PTSS is to enhance the existing strategic arrangements of our public transport services
in tandem with the further development of the heavy rail network, so as to ensure the
long-term, balanced, efficient, multi-model and sustainable development of public transport
services.
In view of the public views on taxi and public light bus (PLB) services, we have accorded
priority to the reviews of these two services under the RPR. The key areas of study are the
feasibility of introducing premium taxis and increasing the seating capacity of PLBs. We
plan to report the progress of the two reviews to the Legislative Council Panel on Transport
(the Panel) by mid-2016, and strive to complete the reviews by the third quarter of 2016.
Moreover, since March 2015, we have reported to the Panel the result of six Topical
Studies, including the service level of franchised bus service, school bus service, seating
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 2 9
capacity of PLBs, supply of taxis, taxi fuel surcharge and statutory cap on the PLBs. The
results of the remaining two studies (i.e. review of ferry service and how to enhance the
provision of accessible transport facilities for people with disabilities) will be reported to the
Panel within the 2015-16 legislative year.
During the course of the study, we would from time to time report, as have been the case,
the progress and outcome of various studies to the Panel, and canvassed views of the
stakeholders through various platforms such as deputation sessions arranged by the Panel
and trade conferences. The expenditure for stakeholder engagement is absorbed by
existing resources.
For the RPR, a sum of $9.5 million has been earmarked for commissioning consultancy
studies. A total of six time-limited posts have been created for two and a half years in the
Transport Branch of the Transport and Housing Bureau and the Transport Department,
including one directorate post of Administrative Officer Staff Grade C and five
non-directorate posts. In 2016-17, the notional annual mid-point salary value of the six
posts is about $6.8 million. The Topical Study is carried out using existing resources.
The whole PTSS is expected to be completed by mid-2017. Upon completion of the
PTSS, we will submit a consolidated report.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)285
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5916)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the expenditure and number of officers involved by the Transport and
Housing Bureau (THB) for overseeing the works for the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing
Facilities (HKBCF), Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) and Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link
(TM-CLKL) under the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) project in 2015-16.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 125)
Reply:
The supervision of the works of the HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL is carried out by
the Highways Department, with the assistance of consultants engaged by the Department.
The Transport Branch of the THB has been deploying existing staff resources as part of
their normal duties to oversee the implementation of these projects.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)286
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5917)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the expenditure and number of officers involved by the Transport and
Housing Bureau (THB) for the launch of the public engagement exercise for an Electronic
Road Pricing pilot scheme in Central and its adjacent areas in 2015-16.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 127)
Reply:
The Government launched a three-month public engagement exercise for the Electronic
Road Pricing pilot scheme in Central and its adjacent areas (the Central District ERP Pilot
Scheme) in December 2015. To encourage the participation of the public and
stakeholders, the Government has prepared various types of publicity material and
organised meetings with different stakeholders. The total cost for the above work is about
$1.9 million, and the supporting work involved is absorbed by the existing staff of the THB
and the Transport Department.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)287
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5918)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What is the anticipated time of completion of the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities
(HKBCF) under the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) project? How does the
Government avoid further cost overrun and delay?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 129)
Reply:
It is anticipated that the essential works for the commissioning of the HZMB HKBCF will
be completed by the end of 2017. The Highways Department (HyD) will continue to
closely monitor the programme of works of the HKBCF, and to explore with its consultants
and contractors on measures to expedite the works. The HyD will continue to exercise
tight control on the expenditures of the works under the project.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)288
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5919)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What is the anticipated time of completion of the Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) under the
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) project? How does the Government avoid
further cost overrun and delay?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 130)
Reply:
It is anticipated that the essential works for the commissioning of the HZMB HKLR will be
completed by the end of 2017. The Highways Department (HyD) will continue to closely
monitor the programme of works of the HKLR, and to explore with its consultants and
contractors on measures to expedite the works. The HyD will continue to exercise tight
control on the expenditures of the works under the project.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)289
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5921)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What is the anticipated time of completion of the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link
(TM-CLKL) under the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) project? How does the
Government avoid further cost overrun and delay?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 132)
Reply:
The TM-CLKL involves the Southern Connection and the Northern Connection. The
completion date of the Southern Connection will tie in with that of the HZMB Main Bridge
whilst the Northern Connection is targeted for completion in 2018. The Highways
Department (HyD) will continue to closely monitor the programme of works of the
TM-CLKL, and to explore with its consultants and contractors on measures to expedite the
works. The HyD will continue to exercise tight control on the expenditures of the works
under the project.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)290
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5931)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
How will the Transport and Housing Bureau handle the operational arrangements of the
Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC) if legislative amendments cannot be made before the
expiry of its Build-Operate-Transfer franchise?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 143)
Reply:
The 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) franchise of the EHC will expire on
7 August 2016. Currently, the EHC Ordinance (Cap 215) and its subsidiary legislation
(the EHC Ordinance) provide the legal backing for the operation and management of the
EHC as a BOT tunnel. To provide the legal backing for the EHC to operate and be
managed as a Government tunnel on the expiry of the BOT franchise, the Government
introduced the EHC Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2015 (the Amendment Bill) to subsume
the EHC under the Road Tunnels (Government) Ordinance (Cap 368) and the Road Tunnels
(Government) Regulations (Cap 368A).
Under the hypothetical scenario that the legislative amendment exercise were not completed
before the expiry of the BOT franchise, the Government would have to rely on the
provisions of the EHC Ordinance which are not related to the rights and obligations of the
franchisee and those provisions of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap 374) which are not
inconsistent with any regulations or by-laws made under the EHC Ordinance to operate and
manage the EHC. There would be some areas of tunnel operation not properly covered.
In particular, the Government would not be able to collect tolls from vehicles passing
through the EHC, which would have serious traffic implications as toll collection is a means
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 6
to regulate traffic flow. The Government would also have no power to appoint authorised
personnel (i.e. staff employed by operators under management, operation and maintenance
contracts) to carry out traffic enforcement duties and regulate traffic at the EHC. We
would have to rely on the Hong Kong Police Force to direct traffic and take enforcement
actions.
The Amendment Bill is technical in nature. It is not complicated nor does it involve any
policy change. The relevant Legislative Council (LegCo) Bills Committee has already
completed the scrutiny of the Amendment Bill on 1 March 2016. We aim to resume
Second Reading Debate on the Amendment Bill at the LegCo as soon as possible.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)291
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5933)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please set out the details of meetings held between the Transport and Housing Bureau
(THB) and the relevant Mainland departments on the “co-location” arrangements in
2015-16, including the dates of meetings, venues of meetings, name lists of participating
officials of both sides and the expenditure involved.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 146)
Reply:
In 2015-16, the THB staff attended three meetings held in Shenzhen or Beijing with the
relevant Mainland Authorities, including the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the
State Council and the National Office of Port Administration, to discuss the issue of
“co-location” of customs, immigration and quarantine facilities at the West Kowloon
Terminus of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. The total
expenditure on these visits was about $99,000. Each meeting involved four to six
members of staff of the THB including the Secretary for Transport and Housing.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)292
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5934)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the specific expenditure and number of officers involved by the Transport
and Housing Bureau (THB) in 2016-17 for working with the Airport Authority Hong Kong
(AA) in taking forward the Three-Runway System (3RS) at the Hong Kong International
Airport, including detailed design, relevant statutory procedures, financing arrangements,
environmental mitigation and enhancement measures, and stakeholder engagement.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 148)
Reply:
A dedicated Airport Expansion Project Coordination Office (AEPCO) was set up in the
Transport Branch of the THB in 2012 to assist, monitor and support the AA in the
implementation of the 3RS project. The AEPCO will also assist in co-ordinating any
interface issue between various bureaux/departments and the AA during the implementation
process. The office comprises three directorate officers and eight non-directorate officers
from the Administrative Officer, Engineer and Executive Officer grades, as well as clerical
and secretarial staff. The notional annual mid-point salary of all the posts in the AEPCO is
estimated to be $11,448,960 in 2016-17. The expenditure for the employment of
independent consultants to assist in reviewing the works of AA is about $39.0 million in
2016-17.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 3 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)293
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5935)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question: Please set out the details of meetings held between the Transport and Housing Bureau
(THB) and the relevant Mainland departments on airspace management in relation to the
Three-Runway System (3RS) of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in 2015-16,
including the dates of meetings, venues of meetings, name lists of participating officials of
both sides and the expenditure involved. Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 149) Reply: The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the Civil Aviation Department (CAD)
and the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao (CAAM) jointly established the Tripartite
Working Group (TWG) in 2004 to formulate measures to enhance the air traffic
management arrangements in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in order to rationalise and
optimise the PRD airspace management. In 2015-16, through the co-operation platform of the TWG and regular working liaison in
the form of correspondence exchanges and meetings, an airspace enhancement measure in
the Plan has been successfully implemented as from January 2016. New air routes for the
eastern part of the Mainland and an additional handover point for flights operating between
Hong Kong, Macao and the eastern part of the Mainland were put in place. This measure
enhances the efficiency of air routes for the eastern part of the Mainland. The above co-ordination work is undertaken by the existing CAD staff as part of their
normal duties. No additional expenses are involved.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)294
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5936)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please set out the details of the work of the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) on the
financing arrangements for the Three-Runway System (3RS) of the Hong Kong
International Airport in 2015-16, including the staff and expenditure involved.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 151)
Reply:
A dedicated Airport Expansion Project Coordination Office (AEPCO) was set up in the
Transport Branch of the THB in 2012 to assist, monitor and support the
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) in the implementation of the 3RS project. The
AEPCO will also assist in co-ordinating any interface issue between various
bureaux/departments and the AA during the implementation process. The office comprises
three directorate officers and eight non-directorate officers from the Administrative Officer,
Engineer and Executive Officer grades as well as clerical and secretarial staff. The
notional annual mid-point salary of all the posts in the AEPCO is estimated to be
$11,448,960 in 2015-16. The expenditure for the employment of independent consultants
to assist in reviewing the works of the AA is about $4.2 million in 2015-16.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)295
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5937)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please set out the details of the work of the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) on the
Three-Runway System (3RS) of the Hong Kong International Airport in 2015-16, including
the staff and expenditure involved.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 153)
Reply:
A dedicated Airport Expansion Project Coordination Office (AEPCO) was set up in the
Transport Branch of the THB in 2012 to assist, monitor and support the
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) in the implementation of the 3RS project. The
AEPCO will also assist in co-ordinating any interface issue between various
bureaux/departments and the AA during the implementation process. The office comprises
three directorate officers and eight non-directorate officers from the Administrative Officer,
Engineer and Executive Officer grades, as well as clerical and secretarial staff. The
notional annual mid-point salary of all the posts in the AEPCO is estimated to be
$11,448,960 in 2015-16. The expenditure for the employment of independent consultants
to assist in reviewing the works of the AA is about $4.2 million in 2015-16.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)296
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5938)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please set out the details of the work of the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) on the
legal justifications of charging Airport Construction Fee (ACF) for the Three-Runway
System (3RS) of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in 2015-16, including the
staff and expenditure involved.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 155)
Reply:
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) plans to introduce the ACF as part of the financial
arrangement plan to fund the 3RS project. The legal basis of the AA for introducing the
ACF is set out below. The Government shares the view of the AA.
(a) Section 5(1)(a) of the Airport Authority Ordinance (AAO) (Cap 483) states that the AA
“shall, in accordance with this Ordinance and also in accordance with the objective of
maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a centre of international and regional aviation,
provide, operate..., develop and maintain, at and in the vicinity of Chek Lap Kok, an
airport for civil aviation.”
(b) Section 7(1) of the AAO states that the AA “shall have power to do anything which is
requisite or expedient, or is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the
performance of any of its functions and which is not inconsistent with any other
provision of this Ordinance...”
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 3
(c) Section 7(2)(i) of the AAO states that without affecting the generality of section 7(1) of
the AAO, the AA “may...subject to section 34 where applicable, determine the amount
of charges and fees.”
(d) Section 34 of the AAO does not apply to the ACF because this Section only concerns
“airport charges” which are specially defined in Section 2 of the AAO.
(e) According to Section 2 of the AAO, “airport charges means charges payable in
connection with the landing, parking or taking off of aircraft at the Airport”.
The work of the THB in this connection is absorbed by existing resources.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)297
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5939)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What are the anticipated commencement and completion dates of the Three-Runway System
(3RS) of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 157)
Reply:
On 17 March 2015, the Executive Council affirmed the need for the 3RS project. The
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) is actively working on the implementation of the
project, including detailed designs of the works, the financial arrangement plan and
implementation of a series of environmental mitigation measures committed in the
Environmental Impact Assessment report and in compliance with the conditions of the
Environmental Permit. In parallel, the statutory procedures of the project are in progress
under the Foreshore and Seabed (Reclamations) Ordinance and the Town Planning
Ordinance for the relevant reclamation works and outline zoning plan respectively.
According to the AA’s plan, reclamation works is targeted to commence around mid-2016
upon completion of the statutory procedures. The 3RS project is estimated to take around
eight years to complete.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)298
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5940)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
How will the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) oversee the work of the Airport
Authority Hong Kong (AA) to ensure that the works for the Three-Runway System (3RS) of
the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will be rigorously monitored and will not
contravene the conditions set out in the Environmental Permit (EP)?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 158)
Reply:
The AA, as the project proponent and holder of the EP, has a detailed work plan to ensure
full compliance with the EP conditions throughout the implementation of the 3RS project.
A full time on-site Environmental Team has been commissioned by the AA to carry out
comprehensive environmental monitoring and auditing (EM&A) to check the effectiveness
of the recommended mitigation measures and to ensure full compliance with relevant
statutory requirements. Furthermore, a full time on-site Independent Environmental
Checker has been appointed by the AA to audit, review and verify all the EM&A data and
the EP submissions.
A dedicated Airport Expansion Project Coordination Office (AEPCO) was set up in the
Transport Branch of the THB in 2012 to assist, monitor and support the AA in the
implementation of the 3RS project. The AEPCO will also assist in co-ordinating any
interface issue between various bureaux/departments and the AA during the implementation
process. With the support of independent monitoring and verification consultants, the
AEPCO will ensure that the AA will fully comply with all the EP conditions in the project
delivery process.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)299
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5941)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
How will the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) oversee the work of the Airport
Authority Hong Kong (AA) to ensure that the works for the Three-Runway System (3RS) of
the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will be rigorously monitored and completed
within the estimated cost and by the anticipated completion date?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 159)
Reply:
A dedicated Airport Expansion Project Coordination Office (AEPCO) was set up in the
Transport Branch of the THB in 2012 to assist, monitor and support the AA in the
implementation of the 3RS project. The AEPCO will also assist in co-ordinating any
interface issue between various bureaux/departments and the AA during the implementation
process. The office comprises three directorate officers and eight non-directorate officers
from the Administrative Officer, Engineer and Executive Officer grades, as well as clerical
and secretarial staff. The AEPCO will also appoint independent professional consultants
to provide support in the monitoring work. The scope of the consultancy services will
mainly be as follows -
(a) aiming to assist in the satisfactory delivery of the 3RS project having regard to
cost-effectiveness, fit-for-purpose and value-for-money;
(b) independent review of the design works by the AA to ensure full compliance with
relevant statutory requirements and technical standards;
(c) provision of expert advice on tender documentation and contract procurement
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 7
strategy, with particular focus on claims avoidance and mechanism for dispute
resolution; and
(d) keeping under close review the overall construction process with particular
emphasis on cost control, progress monitoring, works quality and contract
interfacing arrangements.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)300
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4248)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The existing franchise for the bus network of the Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Limited
(KMB) will expire in 2017 and the Government will continue to review the fare adjustment
arrangement for franchised bus service. What are the estimated expenditure, manpower
arrangement and details of the work? Will the Government monitor the advanced review
of the fare adjustment arrangement conducted by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL)?
If yes, what are the estimated expenditure, manpower arrangement and details of the work?
If no, what are the reasons for that?
Asked by: Dr Hon LAM Tai-fai (Member Question No. 49)
Reply:
The current franchise of the KMB commenced on 1 August 2007 and will expire on
1 July 2017. Under the Public Bus Services Ordinance (Cap 230), the Chief
Executive-in-Council may grant to a company a franchise conferring the right to operate a
public bus service for a period not exceeding ten years. According to the established
practice, an incumbent operator which is able to prove its ability to provide a proper and
efficient service, and is willing to further invest in franchised bus operation, may be
considered for being granted a new franchise for a period of ten years. In this connection,
the KMB has indicated an interest to apply for a new ten-year franchise. Taking all things
into account and as reported to the Legislative Council Panel on Transport in January 2016,
the Government will discuss with the KMB on a new ten-year franchise so that the KMB
can continue to operate its existing bus network. The new franchise will take effect
immediately upon expiry of the current one in 2017, and we aim to conclude the discussion
with the KMB within 2016. Meanwhile, the Government is inviting views from the public
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 4 9
on the requirements of the new franchise for the bus network of the KMB until
mid-April 2016.
Separately, the Fare Adjustment Arrangement for Franchised Buses (FAA) is a mechanism
for the Government to process applications for fare adjustment as and when made by the
franchised bus operators. The Government will review the FAA from time to time to
ensure that it would continue to work well. The last review was completed in 2009. A
review is underway. As the existing arrangement can basically strike a balance between
the sound operation of the bus services as well as public affordability and acceptability, we
do not envisage a need for an overhaul of the FAA. Rather, the current review would
examine whether there is room for improvement in the individual factors of the current FAA
mechanism, with a view to ensuring that public interests will continue to be properly
protected, and that the long-term healthy development of bus services can be sustained.
The on-going review on the FAA is being covered under the Role and Positioning Review
of the Public Transport Strategy Study, which is expected to be completed by mid-2017.
The work involved in the new franchise for the bus network of the KMB and the FAA
review will be absorbed by the existing staffing resources of the Transport Branch (TB) of
the Transport and Housing Bureau and the Transport Department (TD) as part of their
normal duties, and there is no separate breakdown of expenditure for the purpose. To
assist in the FAA review, the Government has commissioned a consultancy study at a fee of
around $1.4 million.
As regards the Fare Adjustment Mechanism (FAM) of the MTRCL, according to the
Operating Agreement signed between the Government and the MTRCL in 2007, the FAM
should be reviewed every five years. The last review of the FAM was conducted in 2013
and completed in April of the same year. According to the Operating Agreement, the next
scheduled review of the FAM is due for completion in 2018. In the light of the public
opinions towards the FAM, the Government issued a letter to the MTRCL on
22 March 2016, asking the MTRCL to advance by one year a joint review with the
Government on the FAM. The experience gained so far since the last review suggests that
there is possible room for an early review of the FAM, so that the operation of the FAM can
further respond to the public concern about the MTRCL’s overall profitability and
passengers’ affordability, whilst still respecting the financial prudence required of the
MTRCL as a listed company. It is the Government’s objective to advance the review by
one year, so that the new FAM can take effect in 2017. The task is undertaken by the staff
of the TB and the TD as part of their normal duties. There is no separate breakdown of
expenditure for the purpose.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)301
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4419)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Director of Bureau’s Office
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(a) Please list the details of duty visits made by the Bureau’s politically appointed officials
since the commencement of the current-term Government, including place of visit,
purpose of visit and main itinerary, name list of accompanying politically appointed
officials, number of accompanying civil servants and total expenditure.
(b) Please list in a table the respective dates on leave for the Bureau’s politically appointed
officials since the commencement of the current-term Government and state whether
they were outside Hong Kong.
Asked by: Hon Alan LEONG Kah-kit (Member Question No. 82)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 1
Reply:
(a) Relevant information concerning Programme (1) on duty visits by the Secretary for
Transport and Housing (STH), the Under Secretary for Transport and Housing (USTH)
and the Political Assistant (PA) to STH is as follows :
STH
Date of
Visit
(Number of
visits)
Place of Visit Number of
entourage from
the Director of
Bureau’s
Office
Purpose of Visit Total Expenditure
2012-13
(5)
Guangzhou,
Dalian,
Beijing,
Zhuhai
The
Administrative
Assistant to
STH and/or the
Press Secretary
to STH would
accompany the
STH during
duty visits
having regard
to operational
needs.
(i) To attend meetings (e.g to attend the
HongKong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint
Conference and meetings relating to the
HongKong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB)
project)
(ii) To pay courtesy visits, meet relevant Government
officials and representatives of local organisations
(e.g to meet and exchange views with Mainland
officials on transportation issues and meet the
Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State
Council (HKMAO))
(iii)To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead
the delegation of the Hong Kong Maritime
Industry Council (MIC) and the Hong Kong Port
Development Council (PDC) to Dalian to promote
the maritime services offered by Hong Kong)
About
$62,900
2013-14
(11)
Singapore,
Shanghai,
Brussels,
Frankfurt,
Florence,
Milan,
Tokyo,
Beijing,
Zhuhai,
Taipei,
Shenzhen,
Guangzhou
(i) To attend meetings (e.g to attend the 8th
Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC)
Transportation Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo,
Japan; and meetings relating to the HZMB
project)
(ii) To pay courtesy visits, meet relevant Government
officials and representatives of local organisations
(e.g to meet and exchange views with the
Singapore Government officials to understand the
latest development of transportation and housing
in Singapore; and to meet and exchange views
with Mainland officials on transportation issues,
and meet the HKMAO)
(iii)To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead a
delegation of the Hong Kong Logistics
Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL) to
Brussels, Frankfurt, Florence and Milan to
promote Hong Kong’s logistics industry; to lead a
Hong Kong maritime delegation to participate in
Marintec China 2013 in Shanghai; and to lead a
Hong Kong maritime delegation to Taipei to meet
and exchange views with the local maritime
sectors)
(iv)To accompany the Chief Executive (CE) on his
duty visit
About
$462,000
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 2
2014-15
(13)
Athens,
Guangzhou,
London,
Rotterdam,
Amsterdam,
Beijing,
Macao,
Kuala
Lumpur,
Shenzhen,
Zhuhai
(i) To attend meetings (e.g to attend meetings relating
to the HZMB project, the Hong Kong/Guangdong
Co-operation Joint Conference and the Hong
Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation Meeting)
(ii) To pay courtesy visits, meet relevant Government
officials and representatives of local organisations
(e.g to visit and exchange views with relevant
authorities and key market players of the maritime
industry and transportation in the UK, to visit the
European Port in the Netherlands and learn about
the logistics development; and to meet and
exchange views with Mainland officials on
transportation and civil aviation issues, and meet
the HKMAO)
(iii)To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead a
delegation of the MIC to Athens to attend
Posidonia 2014, an international maritime
exhibition; and lead a delegation of the
LOGSCOUNCIL and the PDC to Malaysia to
promote Hong Kong as a regional logistics hub)
(iv)To accompany the CE on his duty visit
About
$720,100
2015-16@
(14)
Beijing,
Hamburg,
Shenzhen,
Taoyuan,
Zhuhai,
Guangzhou,
Cebu,
Vienna,
Seoul and
Busan
(i) To attend meetings and events (e.g to attend the
9th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting in
Cebu, The Philippines; to participate in the
Intercity Forum 2015 in Taoyuan and the Walk 21
Vienna 2015 – XVI International Conference on
Walking and Liveable Communities in Vienna,
Austria; and to attend meetings relating to the
HZMB project)
(ii) To pay courtesy visits, meet relevant Government
officials and representatives of local organisations
(e.g to meet and exchange views with Mainland
officials on transportation and civil aviation
issues, and meet the HKMAO)
(iii)To lead delegation on overseas visits (e.g to lead a
delegation of the MIC and the PDC to promote
Hong Kong’s maritime services and to strengthen
links with the maritime sectors in Germany; and to
lead a delegation of the LOGCOUNCIL and the
PDC to South Korea to promote Hong Kong’s
strengths as a regional logistics hub)
(iv)To accompany the CE on his duty visit
About
$593,400
USTH
Date of
Visit
(Number of
visits)
Place of Visit Number of
entourage from
the Director of
Bureau’s
Office
Purpose of Visit Total Expenditure
2012-13
(3)
Zhuhai
Shenzhen
0 To attend meetings relating to the HZMB project and
the Hong Kong/ Shenzhen Cooperation meeting
About
$800
2013-14
(1)
Wuhan 0 To participate in the Mainland visit for Under
Secretaries and Political Assistants and visit Wuhan to
understand the latest development in the Mainland
About
$7,500
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 3
2014-15
(4)
London,
Guangzhou,
Shenzhen
0 To represent STH to lead the delegation of the MIC to
promote the maritime services offered by Hong Kong
in London; to attend meetings relating to the HZMB
project; and to visit the logistics facilities in Mainland
to understand the latest development
About
$83,200
2015-16@ No duty visit was made by the USTH in 2015-16
PA to STH
Date of
Visit
(Number of
visits)
Place of Visit Number of
entourage from
the Director of
Bureau’s
Office
Purpose of Visit Total Expenditure
2012-13 No duty visit was made by PA to STH in 2012-13
2013-14
(1)
Wuhan 0 To participate in the Mainland visit for Under
Secretaries and Political Assistants and visit Wuhan to
understand the latest development in the Mainland
About
$7,500
2014-15
(1)
Zhuhai 0 To accompany STH to inspect the HZMB project
About
$400
2015-16@ No duty visit was made by the PA to STH in 2015-16
________________________ @ Included duty visits made between 1 April 2015 and 7 March 2016.
(b) The STH, the USTH and the PA to STH are each entitled to paid vacation leave of 22
working days per year of service or such proportion of it on a pro rata basis. They all
took their vacation leave within their entitlement.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)302
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5706)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise this Committee on the following:
(a) Please tabulate the fare adjustment rate of the railway companies (including the MTR
Corporation Limited (MTRCL) and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation
(KCRC)) over the past five years.
(b) It is mentioned under Programme (2) that the Government will “continue to review the
fare adjustment arrangement for franchised bus service”. Please tabulate the fare
adjustments of the three bus companies, namely the Kowloon Motor Bus Company
(1933) Limited (KMB), the New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) and the
Citybus Limited (Citybus), over the past five years.
(c) Please tabulate the toll adjustments of all tunnels (including those not operated by the
Government) in Hong Kong over the past five years.
Asked by: Hon LEUNG Kwok-hung (Member Question No. 512)
Reply:
(a) The MTRCL and the KCRC merged their operations since 2 December 2007. The
overall fare adjustment rate of MTR fares from 2011 to 2015 in accordance with the
Fare Adjustment Mechanism is set out in the table below:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 5
Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Overall fare
adjustment
rate
+2.2% +5.4% +2.7% +3.6% +4.3%
(b) The overall weighted average rate of increase approved for KMB fares from 2011 to
2015 is as follows:
Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Overall
weighted
average rate
+3.6% - +4.9% +3.9% -
During the period, the NWFB and the Citybus did not apply for fare increase.
(c) The relevant information on toll adjustments of tunnels is provided at the Annex.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 6
Annex
Toll levels for Government Tunnels from 2011 to present Note 1
Tunnels/Vehicle
Category
Motor
cycles/
Motor
tricycles
Taxis Private
cars
Private/
Public
light buses
Light
goods
vehicles
Medium
goods
vehicles
Heavy
goods
vehicles
Single-
decked
buses
Double-
decked
buses
Each
additional
axle in
excess of
two
($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
Cross Harbour
Tunnel
8 10 20 10 15 20 30 10 15 10
Aberdeen
Tunnel
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Free
Lion Rock
Tunnel
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Free
Shing Mun
Tunnels
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Free
Tseung Kwan O
Tunnel
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Free
Toll-section of
Tsing Sha
Highway
(include Sha Tin
Heights Tunnel
and Eagle’s
Nest Tunnel)
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Free
Note 1: No change in toll levels for the Government toll-tunnels in the past five years.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 7
Toll levels for Private Tunnel from 2011 to present Note 2
Tunnel /
Vehicle
Category
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
Government
vehicles,
ambulances or
vehicles used by
officers of the Fire
Services
Department / Hong
Kong Police
Force / Customs
and Excise
Department /
Correctional
Services
Department
Private
light
buses
other
than
category
(1)
Public
and
private
buses
other
than
category
(1)
Light
goods
vehicles
other
than
category
(1)
Medium
goods
vehicles
other than
category
(1)
Heavy
goods
vehicles
other than
category
(1)
Vehicles
other than
categories
(1) to (6)
Taxis Note 3
($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
Discovery
Bay
Tunnel
Link
50 50 50 120 160 250 250 Free
Note 2: No change in toll levels for Discovery Bay Tunnel Link in the past five years.
Note 3: Starting from 26 October 2014, only Urban and Lantau taxis are allowed to enter the
Discovery Bay Tunnel Link.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 8
Toll levels for Built-Operate-Transfer Tunnels from 2011 to present
Tunnels/
Vehicle
Category
Motor cycles/ Motor
tricycles
Taxis Private cars/
electrically
powered
passenger
vehicles
Public
light
buses
Private
light
buses
Light
goods
vehicles
Medium
goods
vehicles
Heavy
goods
vehicles
Single-
decked
buses
Double-
decked
buses
Each
additional
axle in excess
of two
($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
Eastern Harbour Crossing
1 January
2011 to
present
13 25 25 38 38 38 50 75 50 75 25
Western Harbour Crossing Note 4
1 January
2011 - 31
December
2012
23 45 50 60 60 60 85 115 90 128 30Note 5
1 January
2013 - 21
February
2015
25 50 55 65 65 65 90 120 100 140 30 Note 5
22
February
2015 to
present
25 55 60 70 70 70 95 125 110 155 30 Note 5
Tate’s Cairn Tunnel
1 January
2011 - 31
July 2012
12 15 15 21 22 22 26 26 29 32 19
1 August
2013 - 31
December
2015
13 17 17 23 24 24 28 28 31 34 21
1 January
2016 to
present
15 20 20 23 24 24 28 28 32 35 24
Tai Lam Tunnel Note 4
1 January
2011 - 31
December
2012
20 33 33 100 100 34 40 45 115 135 Free
1 January
2013 - 21
February
2015
20 36 36 100 100 38 43 48 115 135 Free
22
February
2015 to
present
20 40 40 100 100 41 47 52 120 140 Free
Note 4: The franchisees of the Western Harbour Crossing and the Tai Lam Tunnel offer
concessions to all categories of vehicles. Therefore, the actual tolls payable by
motorists (known as “concessionary tolls”) are lower than the statutory tolls
stipulated in Schedule 1 to the Western Harbour Crossing Ordinance (Cap 436) and
the Tai Lam Tunnel and Yuen Long Approach Road Ordinance (Cap 474)
respectively. The tolls stated in this table are concessionary tolls.
Note 5: The toll for each additional axle in excess of two is only applicable to goods vehicles.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 5 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)303
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5713)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport and Housing Bureau is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the
West Island Line (WIL), the South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)), the Kwun Tong Line
Extension (KTE) and the Shatin to Central Link (SCL). There have been news in recent
years that the railway projects are facing delays and injections into the Capital Works
Reserve Fund (CWRF) might be required. Please advise on:
(a) the progress of works for the SIL(E), the expected time of project completion, the
additional project cost required due to the delays and the probability of further
injections after an injection is made;
(b) the progress of works for the East West Corridor of the SCL, the expected time of
project completion, the additional project cost required due to the delays and the
probability of further injections after an injection is made;
(c) the progress of works for the North South Corridor of the SCL, the expected time of
project completion, the additional project cost required due to the delays and the
probability of further injections after an injection is made; and
(d) the manpower and expenditure involved in restoring the relics discovered during the
works for the North South Corridor of the SCL.
Asked by: Hon LEUNG Kwok-hung (Member Question No. 519)
Reply:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 0
(a) As reported to the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways (the Subcommittee)
of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport in February 2016, according to
the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), up to end December 2015, about 93%* of
the works of the SIL(E) had been completed. The MTRCL maintained the target of
commissioning the SIL(E) at the end of 2016. The cost estimate of the SIL(E) had
increased from $12.4 billion (in December 2009 prices) to $15.2 billion (in
money-of-the-day prices), and further revised upward to $16.9 billion (in
money-of-the-day prices) in August 2015. As the SIL(E) is an ownership project, the
MTRCL will bear the additional expenditure arising from the delay of the railway
works.
(b) and (c)
As reported to the Subcommittee of the LegCo Panel on Transport in February 2016,
according to the MTRCL, up to end December 2015, about 63%* and 23%* of the
works of the Tai Wai to the Hung Hom section and the Hung Hom to Admiralty
section of the SCL had been completed respectively.
For the Tai Wai to Hung Hom section of the SCL, the MTRCL estimated that there
would be a minimum delay of 11 months, and an additional cost of at least $4.1 billion
arising from the archaeological and conservation works at the To Kwa Wan Station.
The current target is to commission the Tai Wai to Hung Hom section of the SCL in
2019.
For the Hung Hom to Admiralty section of the SCL, due to the delay in site handover
arrangement of the Wan Chai Development Phase II (WDII) and to allow flexibility
for the construction of new convention facilities above the Exhibition Station, the
commissioning date will be deferred to 2021.
The MTRCL is conducting a cost review for the entire SCL project for submission to
the Highways Department in the second quarter of 2016 for scrutiny. As the current
contingency of the SCL will not be sufficient to meet the additional cost, the
Government will seek additional funding from the LegCo in a timely manner in order
to proceed with the works.
(d) Many of the remnants discovered at the works site of the To Kwa Wan Station of the
SCL project are of very high historic and cultural value. Some of them dated back to
the Song and Yuan dynasties. The Government will consider the proposal for the
interpretation of the archaeological site when planning the future Sung Wong Toi Park
in a holistic way. The estimated cost is not available at this moment.
* The progress of the railway projects is expressed in terms of percentage of work
done.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)304
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4032)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding continuing to take forward the detailed planning work for the first batch of
projects recommended in the Railway Development Strategy 2014 (RDS-2014), i.e. Tuen
Mun South Extension, the Northern Link (and Kwu Tung Station) and the East Kowloon
Line, please set out the work related to the Northern Link (including commissioning the
MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) or consultants) in 2015-16 and details of the
expenditure involved. Has the Government consulted the affected residents and conducted
ownership investigation?
Asked by: Hon LEUNG Yiu-chung (Member Question No. 60)
Reply:
The taking forward of individual railway projects recommended in the RDS-2014 is subject
to the outcome of detailed engineering, environmental and financial studies relating to each
project, as well as updated assessment of passenger transport demand and availability of
resources at the time. We have invited the MTRCL to submit a proposal for the
implementation of the Northern Link (and Kwu Tung Station) (NOL) having regard to the
indicative implementation window recommended in the RDS-2014. The expenditure
involved in taking forward the detailed planning work for the NOL is absorbed by in-house
resources of the Transport Branch of the Transport and Housing Bureau.
In line with established procedures, prior to the finalisation of any new railway schemes, we
will consult the public and the relevant stakeholders on the detailed alignment, locations of
stations, mode of implementation, cost estimate, mode of financing and actual
implementation timetable, when the relevant details are available.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)305
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4779)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the traffic arrangement for the Geopark, will the Government advise this
Committee of the following:
(a) whether it has considered improving the traffic arrangement for the Geopark, such as
introducing electric buses plying between the Geopark and the Sai Kung Town centre;
if yes, please provide the relevant budget and implementation timetable;
(b) as there are reports of overcharging by taxi drivers during holidays when there are
more visitors, has the Government taken combat actions to deter the illegal activities of
taxi drivers; if yes, please provide figures of such actions?
Asked by: MA Fung-kwok (Member Question No. 83)
Reply:
(a) The Geopark is a unique natural area with special geological significance and natural
and cultural landscape. It serves the three objectives of conservation, education and
sustainable development. At present, access to geosites around the High Island
Reservoir from the Sai Kung town centre has to be made via restricted road sections
administered by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and
the Water Supplies Department, and members of the public may get there by taxis or
vehicles with the requisite permits. According to the AFCD, the aforesaid road
sections are unsuitable for operation of coach-typed buses having regard to the actual
situation, the narrow and winding alignment as well as the number of visitors strolling
around during holidays. The Working Group on Tourism and Economic
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 3
Development under the Sai Kung District Council has concerns about road safety
issues and the transport arrangements in respect of the geosites. It has discussed
these issues a number of times. Meanwhile, a local organisation in the Sai Kung
District has recently proposed to offer tourism and transport service packages between
the Sai Kung town centre and the Geopark on a limited scale and trial basis.
Government departments concerned are actively studying the proposal in a facilitative
manner, with a view to enabling the proposal to be implemented as soon as practicable
to ascertain its feasibility. As the proposal was put forth by a non-government
organisation, the Government does not have information on its financial details.
(b) The Government has all along been striving to combat malpractices of the taxi trade.
The Hong Kong Police Force (the Police) has stepped up enforcement actions through,
for example, decoy operations and particularly targeting places frequented by visitors.
According to the Police, about 470 prosecutions were carried out against the
malpractices of taxi drivers in 2015. About 20% of these prosecutions were
attributed to overcharging. The Police does not have a breakdown on the prosecution
figures relating to Geopark.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)306
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4577)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport Branch (TB) of the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) is responsible for,
inter alia, overseeing the works for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Main
Bridge and exploring related cross-boundary transport arrangements in conjunction with the
governments of Guangdong and the Macao Special Administrative Region. Please advise
this Committee on:
(a) the planned date of completion of the works for the HZMB Main Bridge and the latest
expected date of completion;
(b) the latest progress of the works for the HZMB Main Bridge;
(c) the ranks and number of the officers responsible for the works for the HZMB Main
Bridge and the expenses involved over the past five years using the table below:
Ranks of
Officers
Number of
Officers
Expenses
Involved
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17 (Estimate)
(d) the details of the site inspections conducted for monitoring the works for the HZMB
Main Bridge over the past five years using the table below:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 5
Dates of
Site Inspections
Number of
Participants
Details of
Inspections
Expenses
Involved
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17 (Estimate)
(e) the details of the meetings held with the relevant Mainland and Macao authorities for
monitoring the works for the HZMB Main Bridge over the past five years using the
table below: Dates of
Meetings
Number of
Participants
Details of
Meetings
Expenses
Involved
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17 (Estimate)
(f) the number of industrial casualties and the expenses involved for the works for the
HZMB Main Bridge over the past five years using the table below: Dates of
Industrial
Accidents
Number of
Casualties
Details of
Industrial Accidents
Expenses
Involved
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 55)
Reply:
(a) and (b) The HZMB Main Bridge project, as well as related projects in Hong Kong,
Guangdong and Macao, have all encountered difficulties in construction and in
meeting the programme schedule. With safety and quality assurance being the
major premise, the HZMB Authority and the three governments have been
reviewing the progress of the various projects as well as means to overcome the
difficulties concerned.
Having regard to the latest situation of the HZMB Main Bridge and the related
projects of the three sides, the three governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong
and Macao as well as the HZMB Authority further compiled and assessed the
works programme at the end of last year. It was concluded that it would not
be feasible for the HZMB project (including the Main Bridge project) to be
completed for commissioning by end 2016. This has been reported to the Task
Force of the HZMB, chaired by the National Development and Reform
Commission and attended by officials from the three Governments, the Hong
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 6
Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and the HZMB Authority.
The Task Force attached great importance to the HZMB project and requested
the Joint Works Committee of the three governments to conduct a final
assessment with a view to reporting the consolidated revised target
commissioning date of the entire HZMB project to the Central People’s
Government. This final assessment is ongoing.
(c) to (e) According to the agreement of the three governments, the HZMB Authority,
jointly set up by the three governments as a legal entity in accordance with
Mainland laws, is responsible for the construction, operation, management and
maintenance of the HZMB Main Bridge. The HZMB Authority has to report
the progress of the works to the three governments from time to time. The
three governments meet regularly and conduct site visits from time to time to
monitor the progress of the HZMB Main Bridge. During the past five years
(from 2011 to 2015), a total of 11 meetings of the Joint Works Committee of
the three governments were held to discuss matters relating to the overall
HZMB project including the progress of the HZMB Main Bridge. The Central
HZMB Task Force had also held five meetings during the past five years (from
2011 to 2015).
Under Head 158, the TB of the THB deploys existing staff resources to
generally oversee the works of the HZMB Main Bridge. There is no separate
breakdown on the operating expenses, staff establishment and expenditure on
salary dedicated for these purposes.
(f) The HZMB Authority is directly responsible for the construction and
management of the HZMB Main Bridge. The contractors are required to
report industrial accidents and the work injuries to the HZMB Authority, and
the relevant local government departments as appropriate. The details of the
industrial accidents relating to the HZMB Main Bridge are not readily available.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)307
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4597)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport Branch (TB) of the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) is responsible for,
inter alia, overseeing the works for the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF),
the Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) and the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL)
under the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) project. Please advise this
Committee on:
The details of the contracts on the works for the HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL
(including the planned date of completion and the latest expected date of completion) using
the table below:
Contract
Number
and
Commencement
Date
Details of
Contract
Name of
Contractor
Actual
Tender
Price
Planned
Date of
Completion
Latest
Expected
Date of
Completion
The latest progress of the works for the HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL using the
table below:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 8
Contract
Number
Details of
Contract
Name of
Contractor
Progress of
Works
Reasons for
Delay
Latest
Expected
Date of
Completion
The number of consultants responsible for monitoring the works for the HKBCF, the HKLR
and the TM-CLKL as well as the expenditure and details involved over the past five years
using the table below:
Contract
Number
Name of
Consultant
Actual
Tender
Price
Details of Consultancy Work Date of
Contract
The number of industrial casualties and the expenses involved for the HKBCF, the HKLR
and the TM-CLKL over the past five years using the table below:
Dates of
Industrial
Accidents
Number of
Casualties
Details of
Industrial Accidents
Expenses
Involved
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
(Estimate)
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 75)
Reply:
The information regarding the contracts of the HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL are
as follows:
Contract Number
(Commencement
Date)
Description of Works Contractor Contract
Sum
($ billion)
Contract No.
HY/2011/03 HZMB
HKLR – Section
between Scenic Hill
and HKBCF
(May 2012)
Design and construction of
the section of the HKLR
between Scenic Hill and
the HKBCF, and roadlinks
between the HKBCF and
the Hong Kong
International Airport
China State
Construction
Engineering
(Hong Kong) Ltd.
8.9
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 6 9
Contract Number
(Commencement
Date)
Description of Works Contractor Contract
Sum
($ billion)
Contract No.
HY/2011/09
HZMB HKLR –
Section between the
HKSAR Boundary and
Scenic Hill
(May 2012)
Design and construction of
the section of the HKLR
between the Hong Kong
SAR boundary and Scenic
Hill
Dragages - China
Harbour - VSL
Joint Venture
12.9
Contract No.
HY/2012/08
TM-CLKL – Northern
Connection Sub-sea
Tunnel Section
(August 2013)
Design and construction of
a dual two-lane sub-sea
tunnel of about five
kilometres long between
Tuen Mun and the HZMB
HKBCF and reclamation of
about 16.5 hectares (ha) at
Tuen Mun Area 40
Dragages -
Bouygues Joint
Venture
18.2
Contract No.
HY/2012/07
TM-CLKL – Southern
Connection Viaduct
Section
(June 2013)
Design and construction of
a dual two-lane viaduct
between the HZMB
HKBCF and the North
Lantau Highway (NLH)
with associated slip roads
as well as modifications
and realignment of sections
of the NLH and Cheung
Tung Road at North
Lantau, and associated
works
Gammon
Construction
Limited
8.7
Contract No.
HY/2013/12
TM-CLKL - Northern
Connection Toll Plaza
and Associated Works
(July 2014)
Construction of a toll plaza
of approximately 5.4 ha
and associated structures,
carriageways and
footbridge, as well as
modification and
realignment of sections of
Lung Mun Road and Lung
Fu Road at Tuen Mun, and
associated works
CRBC - KADEN
Joint Venture
3.0
HY/2014/17
TM-CLKL – Northern
Connection Tunnel
Buildings, Electrical
and Mechanical Works
Construction of an
administration building, a
toll control building and
ancillary buildings and
facilities for the Northern
Connection, electrical and
mechanical works, and
re-provision of facilities for
Tender Under
Preparation
-
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 0
Contract Number
(Commencement
Date)
Description of Works Contractor Contract
Sum
($ billion)
the Customs and Excise
Department and the Fire
Services Department
HY/2014/10
TM-CLKL – Northern
Connection Traffic
Control and
Surveillance System
Design, supply, installation
and commissioning of a
traffic control and
surveillance system for the
TM-CLKL, including its
toll plaza, sub-sea tunnel
and southern viaduct.
Tender Under
Preparation
-
Contract No.
HY/2010/02: HZMB
HKBCF - Reclamation
Works
(November 2011)
Construction of an artificial
island of about 150 ha, of
which about 130 ha is for
the HKBCF and about 20
ha is for the southern
landfall of the TM-CLKL
China Harbour
Engineering Co.
Ltd.
7.0
Contract No.
HY/2013/01: HZMB
HKBCF - Passenger
Clearance Building
(April 2014)
Construction of Passenger
Clearance Building, drop
off deck / area, footbridges,
and district cooling system,
etc. for the HKBCF
Leighton - Chun
Wo Joint Venture
8.4
Contract No.
HY/2013/02: HZMB
HKBCF -
Infrastructure Works
Stage I (Western
Portion)
(July 2014)
Construction of the
vehicular bridges and
at-grade roads at the
western portion of the
HKBCF
China Harbour
Engineering Co.
Ltd.
2.4
Contract No.
HY/2013/03: HZMB
HKBCF -
Vehicle Clearance
Plazas and Ancillary
Buildings and Facilities
(April 2015)
Construction of vehicle
clearance plazas, ancillary
buildings and facilities,
vehicular bridges, at-grade
roads, drainage, sewerage,
water supplies, landscape,
utilities and electrical and
mechanical works, etc. for
the HKBCF
China Harbour
Engineering Co.
Ltd.
7.7
Contract No.
HY/2013/04: HZMB
HKBCF -
Infrastructure Works
Stage II (Southern
Portion)
(March 2015)
Construction of the
vehicular bridges and
at-grade roads at the
southern portion of the
HKBCF
China State
Construction
Engineering
(Hong Kong)
Limited
2.3
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 1
Contract Number
(Commencement
Date)
Description of Works Contractor Contract
Sum
($ billion)
Contract No.
HY/2013/05: HZMB
HKBCF and HKLR,
and TM-CLKL
Southern Connection -
Traffic Control and
Surveillance System
(January 2014)
Design, supply and
installation of a traffic
control and surveillance
system that covers mainly
the roads at the HKBCF,
the HKLR and the
TM-CLKL Southern
Connection
JSI - Autotoll
Joint Venture
0.3
Contract No.
HY/2013/06: HZMB
HKBCF - Automatic
Vehicle Clearance
Support System
(AVCSS)
(August 2015)
Design, supply, delivery,
installation, testing and
commissioning of the
AVCSS for the HKBCF
ATAL
Technologies
Limited
0.2
Contract No.
HY/2014/04: HZMB
HKBCF - Gantry Type
X-ray Vehicle
Inspection System
(December 2015)
Design, supply, delivery,
installation, testing,
commissioning and
maintenance of the Gantry
Type X-ray Vehicle
Inspection System for the
HKBCF
Rapiscan Systems
Pte Ltd
0.2
Contract No.
HY/2014/05: HZMB
HKBCF - Remaining
Ancillary Buildings
and Facilities
(December 2015)
Construction of the
remaining ancillary
buildings for the HKBCF
Leighton - Chun
Wo Joint Venture
1.2
As for the works progress of the HKBCF and HKLR, in view of the construction difficulties
and challenges such as the unstable supply of materials, shortage of labour, constraints in
construction due to height restriction, the environmental protection requirements and the
slower-than-expected consolidation rate of reclamation works, the Highways Department
(HyD) anticipates that the local projects can only be completed by the end of 2017.
As for the TM-CLKL, it involves the Southern Connection and the Northern Connection.
The completion date of the Southern Connection will tie in with that of the HZMB Main
Bridge whilst the Northern Connection is targeted for completion in 2018.
The information regarding the consultancies for supervising the HZMB related local
projects is as follows:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 2
Agreement Number Consultancies Consultancy
Lump Sum Fee
($ million)
Date of
Agreement
Agreement No. CE 36/2009 (HY)
Tender and Construction of
HZMB HKLR – Design and
Construction
Ove Arup &
Partners Hong
Kong Limited
40 September
2010
Agreement No. CE 7/2011 (HY)
TM-CLKL – Design and
Construction
AECOM Asia
Company Limited
108 November
2011
Agreement No. CE 28/2009 (CE)
HZMB HKBCF (Reclamation
Works) – Design and
Construction
Ove Arup &
Partners Hong
Kong Limited
27 September
2009
Agreement No. CE 13/2010 (CE)
HZMB HKBCF (Superstructures
and Infrastructures) – Design
and Construction
AECOM Asia
Company Limited
328 December
2010
The information regarding the industrial accidents of the HZMB related local projects as at
end February 2016 is as follows:
Project Number of
industrial accidents
Number of deaths Number of injured
HKBCF 30 3 41
HKLR 97 2 98
TM-CLKL 39 1 38
Total 166 6 177
The causes of the accidents are broadly categorised as injured by tools, plants and objects;
injured whilst carrying, lifting and working; fell from height; slippage and others.
Compensation provided to the affected workers and families as a result of the accidents is
paid by the contractors of individual contracts. The TB of the THB as well as the HyD do
not have separate breakdown on the relevant expenses involved.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)308
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4598)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport Branch (TB) of the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) is responsible for,
inter alia, overseeing the works for the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF),
the Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) and the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL)
under the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) project. Please advise this
Committee on:
The ranks and number of the officers responsible for monitoring the works for the HKBCF,
the HKLR and the TM-CLKL, and the expenses involved over the past five years using the
table below:
Ranks of
Officers
Number of
Officers
Expenses
Involved
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17 (Estimate)
The details of the site inspections conducted for monitoring the works for the HKBCF, the
HKLR and the TM-CLKL over the past five years using the table below:
Dates of
Site Inspections
Number of
Participants
Details of
Inspections
Expenses
Involved
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 4
2015-16
2016-17 (Estimate)
The details of the meetings held between the TB and the relevant Mainland and Macao
authorities for monitoring the works for the HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL over the
past five years using the table below:
Dates of
Meetings
Number of
Participants
Details of
Meetings
Expenses
Involved
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17 (Estimate)
The details of the site visits arranged for the relevant Mainland and Macao authorities for
monitoring the works for the HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL over the past five
years using the table below:
Dates of
Site Visits
Number of
Participants
Details of
Site Visits
Expenses Involved
and Details
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17 (Estimate)
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 76)
Reply:
The entire HZMB project consists of two parts: (i) the HZMB Main Bridge; and (ii) the link
roads and boundary crossing facilities of the three sides. The works of the HZMB Main
Bridge are situated in Mainland waters, and are being carried out by the HZMB Authority.
The three governments are responsible for constructing their own boundary crossing
facilities and link roads.
Together with its consulting engineers and resident site staff, the Highways Department has
been closely monitoring the implementation of the HZMB HKBCF, the HKLR and the
TM-CLKL projects. Under Head 158, the TB of the THB has been deploying existing
staff resources to oversee the implementation of the HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL
as part of their normal duties. There is no separate breakdown on the staff establishment
and expenditure on salary dedicated for these purposes.
The Joint Works Committee of the Three Governments has been overseeing the progress of
the entire HZMB project. The three governments meet regularly to monitor the progress of
the HZMB Main Bridge, and the associated works of the three sides.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)309
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4599)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport Branch (TB) of the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) is responsible for,
inter alia, overseeing the works for the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF),
the Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) and the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL)
under the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) project. Please advise this
Committee on:
The details of the environmental mitigation measures (EMMs) taken for the works for the
HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL over the past five years using the table below:
Date Company/Individual
Providing Services on
EMMs
Location
of
EMMs
Details of
EMMs
Effectiveness of
EMMs
Expenses
Involved
The details of the complaints received about the works for the HKBCF, the HKLR and the
TM-CLKL over the past five years and the respective findings of investigations and
complaint handling methods using the table below:
Date of
Complaint
Received
Date of
Complaint
Resolved
Contract/
Contractor
Being
Complained
Location of
Complaint
Details of
Complaint
Complaint
Handling
Methods
Expenses
Involved
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 6
The details of the incidents of offence in law involved in the works for the HKBCF, the
HKLR and the TM-CLKL over the past five years and the respective findings of
investigations and complaint handling methods using the table below:
Date of
Offence
Date of
Prosecution
Name of
Contract/Contractor
Location
of
Offence
Details of
Offence
Handling
Methods
Expenses
Involved
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 77)
Reply:
(a) Under the HZMB HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL projects, a series of
environmental mitigating measures have been implemented through contract
requirements to minimise the impact on the environment. Air quality mitigating
measures employed include the watering of construction sites every day, using wheel
washing facilities at site entrances, using low carbon fuel for construction plants,
covering filling materials and ensuring works are carried out in compliance with the
Air Pollution Control Ordinance.
Noise mitigating measures employed include the adoption of good site practices and
construction methods to mitigate noise at source, using low noise plant and equipment,
installing noise barriers at fixed machinery, proper maintenance of plant and
equipment, and reducing the number of noise emitting plant and equipment operating
simultaneously.
Mitigating measures to minimise impact on ecology during construction include using
non-dredging method for reclamation and seawall construction, prohibiting underwater
percussive piling, limiting the speed of construction marine vessels and setting up
Chinese White Dolphin exclusion zone.
The expenditure and staff for implementing the above mitigating measures for air,
noise and ecology are absorbed in the project cost of the projects.
(b) Complaints on the works for the HKBCF, the HKLR and the TM-CLKL received from
2012 to 2016 (as of 10 March 2016) are summarised in the table below. The
contractors deal with the complaints on the works of the projects. Apart from staff
cost which is absorbed by the Highways Department and cannot be separately
accounted for, the Government has not incurred any expenditure in handling the
complaints on the works.
2012 2013 2014 2015
2016
(As of 10
March 2016) Total
General 0 3 9 11 1 24
HKBCF 1 2 1 8 0 12
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 7
HKLR 2 20 15 8 0 45
TM-CLKL 0 1 15 25 4 45
Total 3 26 40 52 5 126
(c) Details of environment-related prosecution in the last five years are summarised in the
table below. Contractors are responsible for paying the fines and expense for any
remedial measures.
Date of
offence
Date of
prosecution
Name of
contract /
contractor
Location of
offence
Details of
offence
Handling
method
31 October
2012
24 April
2013 China
Harbour
Engineering
Company
Limited
(CHEC)
Site of the
HKBCF
Violation of the
Noise Control
Ordinance
The
Environmental
Protection
Department
(EPD) prosecuted
the contractor
6 October
2013
19 March
2014
CHEC Site of the
HKBCF
Violation of the
Noise Control
Ordinance
The EPD
prosecuted the
contractor
15 March
2014
20 October
2014 Sambo
Engineering
and
Construction
Co. Ltd.
Site of the
HKLR
Violation of the
Noise Control
Ordinance
The EPD
prosecuted the
contractor
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)310
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4608)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) Air and Sea Communications and Logistics Development
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Funding is reserved in this year’s Budget for Programme (3) Facilities Development of the
Architectural Services Department (ArchSD). The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA)
recently recommended the Three-Runway System (3RS) as an expansion
option. According to a paper submitted to the Public Works Subcommittee under this
Committee for discussion some years ago, the ArchSD was responsible for the fitting-out
works for customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) facilities at the SkyPlaza of the Hong
Kong International Airport (HKIA). Will the Government advise this Committee on: (a) the arrangements for demolition of the CIQ facilities at the SkyPlaza of the HKIA
upon the Executive Council’s approval of the AA’s 3RS option; and (b) whether separate application will be made for funding a study on the provision of the
new CIQ facilities at the Terminal 2 and the Terminal 3, or for funding relevant
preliminary consultancy studies?
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 86)
Reply:
On 17 March 2015, the Executive Council affirmed the need for the 3RS project. The AA
is actively taking forward the project, including detailed designs of the works,
implementation of the financial arrangement plan and a series of environmental mitigation
measures committed in the Environmental Impact Assessment report and in compliance
with the conditions of the Environmental Permit. In parallel, the statutory procedures of
the project are in progress under the Foreshore and Seabed (Reclamations) Ordinance and
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 7 9
the Town Planning Ordinance for the relevant reclamation works and outline zoning plan
respectively.
Facilities required to support the operation of the 3RS are being studied by the AA in
consultation with relevant Government bureaux and departments as appropriate. The AA
will liaise with the ArchSD in due course with regard to the provision of the CIQ facilities.
As work in this respect is at a very early stage, the requested information is not available at
this stage.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)311
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5271)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Would the Government inform this Committee of the following:
(a) How many additional civil service information technology (IT) posts were applied for
by the Transport and Housing Bureau (Transport Branch) from the Civil Service
Bureau (CSB) over the past three years? How many of these posts applied were
approved by the CSB (please list by department, year and post title)?
(b) What were the justifications of the CSB if application requests of such IT posts were
revised or rejected?
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 45)
Reply:
(a) In the past three years, there has not been any increase in the civil service posts of IT
staff in the Transport and Housing Bureau (Transport Branch).
(b) The Government’s guiding principles for considering the creation of additional civil
service posts are as follows: when the operational need is fully justified; and the work
involved cannot be handled by streamlining the procedures, re-organisation,
re-deployment of existing staff or any other means. The above principles are
applicable across all the civil service grades, including the IT grades. Manpower in
the IT grades will be increased as and when it is fully justified on the grounds of
maintaining effective operation and addressing the manpower needs arising from new
and improved services.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)312
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5285)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In respect of the public relations expenditure of government departments, please inform this
Committee of the following:
(a) the total expenditure of the Transport Branch (TB) of the Transport and Housing
Bureau for publishing advertisements, sponsored content or advertorials in newspapers
registered under the Registration of Local Newspapers Ordinance (the Ordinance) in
the past year as well as the relevant details:
Date of publish
(Day/Month/Year)
Status
(one-off/
ongoing/done)
(as at 29
February
2016)
Government
or public
organisation
(including
policy
bureau/
department/
public
organisation/
government
advisory
body)
Name and
purpose of
advertisement
Name of
media
organisation
and
newspaper
Frequency
(as at 29
February
2016)
Expenditure
(as at 29
February
2016)
(b) the expenditure of the TB for sponsoring local free-to-air television stations, paid
television stations and radio stations to provide information and produce programmes
or materials in the past year as well as the relevant details:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 2
Date of broadcast
(Day/Month/Year) Status
(one-off/
ongoing/
done)
(as at 29
February
2016)
Government
or public
organisation
(including
policy
bureau/
department/
public
organisation/
government
advisory
body)
Name and
purpose of
advertisement
Media
organisation
Frequency
(as at 29
February
2016)
Expenditure
(as at 29
February
2016)
(c) the media organisations which published or broadcast advertisements/sponsored
content of the TB in the past three years, as well as the frequency and the total
expenditure involved (in descending order of amount spent):
Name of media organisation Frequency Total expenditure ($)
(d) the websites/network platforms on which the TB published online
advertisements/sponsored content in the past three years, as well as the frequency, the
duration (days) and the total expenditure involved (tabulated in descending order of
amount spent):
Website/
network
platform
Content of
advertisement
Frequency Duration
(days)
Hit rate,
frequency of
exposure and
number of
viewers
Total
expenditure ($)
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 59)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 3
Reply:
Relevant details in respect of the TB are provided below:
(a) expenditure for publishing advertisements, sponsored content or advertorials in
newspapers registered under the Registration of Local Newspapers Ordinance in
2015-16 (up to 29 February 2016):
Date of
publish
(Day/
Month/
Year)
Status
(one-off/
on-going
/ done)
Purpose and name of advertisement Name of
media
organisation
and
newspaper
Frequency
Total
Expenditure
($’000)
4/3/2016 One-off To promote the Hong Kong Shipping
Register with a view to fostering awareness
and interest in Hong Kong’s maritime
industry
1. Landmark gross tonnage marks milestone
in Hong Kong’s shipping register
South China
Morning Post
1 114
2. Hong Kong Shipping Register drives the
maritime development in Hong Kong
Sing Tao
Daily
1 40
(b) expenditure for sponsoring local free-to-air television stations, paid television stations
and radio stations to provide information and produce programmes or materials in
2015-16 (up to 29 February 2016):
Nil.
(c) media organisations which published or broadcast advertisements/sponsored content of
the TB in the past three years (up to 29 February 2016):
Name of media organisation Frequency Total expenditure
($’000)
Television Broadcasts Limited 1 400
South China Morning Post 1 114
Sing Tao Daily 1 40
(d) websites/network platforms on which the TB published online
advertisements/sponsored content in the past three years (up to 29 February 2016):
Nil.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)313
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5306)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(a) Please tabulate the details concerning the social media platforms set up and run by the
Transport and Housing Bureau (Transport Branch) (TB) and its subvented
organisations (including outsourced contractors or consultants) in 2015-16 (as at
29 February 2016).
Commencement
of operation
(Month/Year)
Status
(keeps
updating/
ceased
updating)
Policy
bureau/
subvented
organisation
Name Social
media
platform
Purpose of
establishment
and content
No. of
“likes”/
subscribers/
average
monthly
visits
Regular
compilation
of
summary
of
comments
and
follow-up
(Yes / No)
Average no.
of posts per
day and
average no.
of
interactions
per post (total
no. of “likes”,
comments
and shares)
Rank and
no. of staff
responsible
for running
the
platform
Expenditure
for setting up
the platform
and daily
operational
expenses
(b) Please provide the number of messages deleted and accounts blocked from the above
social media platforms.
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 80)
Reply:
There is no social media platform set up and run by the TB. There is no subvented
organisation under the policy purview of the TB. We have no information on whether
outsourced contractors or consultants employed by the TB operate social media.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)314
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5353)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
(a) Please provide, in table form, the number of requests for information under the Code
on Access to Information (the requests) received by the Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch) and its subvented organisations in 2015-16 as well as the relevant
details:
Bureau/
Department/
Organisation
Number
of
requests
received
Information
involved
(by item)
Number
of
requests
being
handled
Number of
requests in
which all
information
was provided
Number of
requests in
which partial
information
was provided
Average
number of
working days
taken to
handle the
requests
(b) the three pieces of information most frequently requested by the public and the number
of such requests;
(c) the five requests for information which took the longest time to handle, the number of
days taken to handle such requests and the reasons; and
(d) the content of the requests refused, the reasons for the refusal and the number of
requests for reviews lodged by the public.
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 143)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 6
Reply:
From 1 April 2015 to 29 February 2016 (the relevant period), the Transport Branch of the
Transport and Housing Bureau received eight requests for information under the Code.
The eight cases requested for different types of information.
Of the five cases completed during the relevant period, the information was fully provided
to four requests and not provided to the fifth case as the requested information was not
available. Four requests were completed within the target response time of 21 days from
the date of receipt. The other one involved a search through numerous records for the
information requested and was completed in 33 days. As at 29 February 2016, three
requests were being processed. No request for review of our replies was received during
the relevant period.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)315
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5754)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the Public Transport Strategy Study (PTSS), please advise this Committee on the
following:
(a) the spread of expenditure for the approved commitment of $9.5 million for the study,
the expenditure incurred and estimated expenditure for various projects using the
following table:
Projects undertaken
by the Government
Projects assisted by
commissioned
consultants
Other items of
expenditure
Expenditure
incurred / estimated
expenditure ($)
(b) The Government indicated earlier on that it would also review the approval criteria for
hire car permits in the PTSS. Does the study cover the approval criteria for hire car
permits? Has it consulted with the trade or other stakeholders; if yes, the number of
consultation and the name list of consultation? Who is responsible for the study on
the approval criteria for hire car permits? What are the specific work, expenditure
and manpower for the project?
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 197)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 8
Reply:
The PTSS comprises the Role and Positioning Review (RPR) and the Topical Study. For
the RPR, a sum of $9.5 million has been earmarked for commissioning consultancy studies.
The Topical Study is carried out using existing resources.
As hire car service does not come under the scope of public transport service, the review of
the assessment criteria for issuing hire car permits does not form part of the PTSS. Having
regard to the community’s view on hire cars, the Government is studying, outside the PTSS,
ways to improve the assessment criteria for issuing hire car permits and its regulation
(including measures to facilitate new market entrants) without affecting hire car’s current
position in the transport hierarchy and the current regulatory regime. The review is
undertaken by the Transport Department with their existing manpower and internal
resources, and does not incur additional expenditure.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 8 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)316
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5755)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding electronic road pricing (ERP), please advise this Committee on:
(a) the expenditure and manpower involved in the ERP public consultation launched by
the Government last year;
(b) the follow-up work of the consultation, the quantity of feedback received and the
release date of the consultation report;
(c) the estimated expenditure, manpower, work plan and date of the second round of
public engagement exercise; and
(d) whether the Government has assessed the costs and risks of the technologies, namely
the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and the Dedicated Short-range
Radio Communication (DSRC); if yes, the details; if no, the reasons for that.
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 198)
Reply:
(a) to (c) The Government launched a three-month public engagement exercise for the
Electronic Road Pricing pilot scheme in Central and its adjacent areas (the Central
District ERP Pilot Scheme) in December 2015. To encourage the participation of
the public and stakeholders, the Government has prepared various types of
publicity material and organised meetings with different stakeholders. The total
cost for the above work is about $1.9 million, and the supporting work involved is
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 0
absorbed by the existing staff of the Transport and Housing Bureau and the
Transport Department.
The Government is collating and analysing the public views received during the
public engagement exercise. We will then engage a consultant to carry out an
in-depth feasibility study to develop detailed options, having regard to the views
received, for further public engagement. The resources needed for the next phase
of public engagement will be estimated at a later stage.
(d) In the public engagement document for the Central District ERP Pilot Scheme, the
Government has set out for public consultation the pros and cons of the ANPR and
the DSRC based on overseas experience in ERP application. We will request the
consultant of the feasibility study to assess the costs and relevant issues relating to
these and other relevant ERP technologies in the local context.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)317
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5757)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding overseeing the construction and operational arrangements of the Hong Kong
section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), please advise
this Committee on:
(a) the expenditure and manpower involved in overseeing the construction of the XRL in
the past three years; and
(b) whether resources have been reserved to cope with the cost overrun and possible
suspension of works; if yes, the expenditure, manpower and work involved.
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 200)
Reply:
(a) and (b) The Highways Department (HyD) deploys in-house staff resources, with the
assistance of its monitoring and verification (M&V) consultant, to monitor the
implementation of the XRL project. As at March 2016, there are six Senior
Engineers, ten Engineers and one Assistant Engineer in the division*, with a
total estimated staff cost of $15.6 million in 2016-17. A number of staff
provide support to the dedicated division and other divisions in the Railway
Development Office (RDO) in discharging their duties.
* A supernumerary Chief Engineer (CE) post in the dedicated division for the
XRL project lapsed on 7 July 2015. Pending approval of the Finance
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 2
Committee of the Legislative Council to re-create the post, the duties of the
post are shared by the other CEs in the RDO either directly or indirectly.
A consultant has been employed to assist the HyD to carry out the M&V work.
The total consultancy fee spent in the past three years (from 2013 to 2015) is
$57.3 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)318
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 7259)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
According to Appendix B, Section IV of the Budget Speech, major capital projects
estimated to begin in 2016-17 cover: Infrastructure, Community and External Affairs,
Environment and Food, Health, Security, Support, and Education. While most of these
projects are in the list of the 72 potential capital works items to Public Works Subcommittee
(PWSC) in the 2015-16 Legislative Council (LegCo) session, Central Kowloon Route-Main
Works under the category of Infrastructure is an exception. Will the Administration
inform this Council whether it plans to submit this item to the PWSC within the 2015-16
LegCo session? What is the target contract start date for this project? What is the scope
of work and the estimated budget of this project? What is the number of work contracts
under this project for tender, the proposed tendering dates of these contracts? What is the
number of jobs to be created for labourers, professionals and technicians under this project?
Asked by: Hon Abraham SHEK Lai-him (Member Question No. 3)
Reply:
The Central Kowloon Route (CKR) will link the Yau Ma Tei Interchange in West Kowloon
with the Kowloon Bay and Kai Tak Development in East Kowloon. It is anticipated that
the commissioning of the CKR will reduce the traffic volumes along the major east-west
corridors in Kowloon, thus relieving the existing traffic congestion problem and coping with
future traffic needs. We are actively planning the implementation of the CKR project for
its early implementation. The construction of the CKR project takes approximately over
seven years; and upon its commissioning, the journey time between West Kowloon and
Kowloon Bay via the CKR would take around five minutes in busy hours, resulting in a
saving of about 25 minutes when compared to the journey time without the CKR now.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 4
After finalising the estimate of the project cost, the Transport and Housing Bureau and the
Highways Department will consult the LegCo on the funding application to implement the
CKR project, and seek approval from the LegCo Finance Committee.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)319
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4026)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the figures of passengers using personalised Octopus cards with student
status when taking public buses services in the past three years. Has the Government
examined the impact on the Government expenditure if subsidies are provided to passengers
using personalised Octopus cards with student status to take public bus services?
Asked by: Hon James TO Kun-sun (Member Question No. 91)
Reply:
The Transport Department (TD) does not have information on the number of passengers
who have used personalised Octopus cards encoded with student status for fare payment
when taking franchised buses, and it has not conducted any assessment from a transport
point of view on the financial impact of providing subsidies to them. At present, about
70% of all franchised bus routes (i.e. about 410 routes) have section fares, while there are
also more than 360 bus-bus interchange concession schemes in place. Passengers,
including those using personalised Octopus cards encoded with student status, can benefit
from these concessions. Needy students pursuing full-time studies at primary, secondary
and post-secondary levels up to the first degree may apply for the Student Travel Subsidy
Scheme, a means-tested financial assistance scheme under the Education Bureau which
aims to provide cash subsidy for the purpose of meeting their expenses incurred on
home-school travels. Franchised bus operators offer child fare (for children below 12
years old), although there is no student fare.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)320
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4568)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Is replacing traditional red minibuses (RMB) with green minibuses (GMB) in the medium
to long term a policy objective? How will GMB service be encouraged to provide more
seats, vehicles and frequency?
Asked by: Hon WONG Yuk-man (Member Question No. 79)
Reply:
At present, there are 4 350 public light buses (PLBs) in Hong Kong. About 70% of them
are GMBs and 30% are RMBs. GMBs provide scheduled service with fixed routes, fares,
vehicle allocation and timetable as approved by the Transport Department (TD). RMBs,
whilst subject to certain restrictions on their service area, are not required to operate on
fixed routes or timetable and can set their own fares. It is the Government’s established
policy to encourage RMBs to convert to GMBs through planning and introducing new
GMB routes. In this regard, in the selection exercise for operating new GMB routes,
additional marks will be given to an applicant who is an incumbent RMB operator.
The TD monitors the operation of GMBs and reviews the service level of GMB routes with
the operators from time to time. Appropriate measures would be implemented to help
improve service efficiency and better meet passenger demand. These measures include
frequency adjustment, service re-organisation, re-routing, and introduction of short-working
and supplementary services. The operators may also deploy additional vehicles to meet
increasing passenger demand where appropriate, such as to cope with the population intake
in new residential developments.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 7
Currently, a PLB cannot carry more than 16 passengers. Under the Roles and Positioning
Review of the Public Transport Strategy Study, the Government is studying whether it is
desirable and feasible to increase the seating capacity of PLBs. We plan to report the
progress of the study to the Legislative Council Panel on Transport by mid-2016 and strive
to complete it by the third quarter of 2016.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)321
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4569)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
It is mentioned in the Policy Address that the Kwun Tong Line Extension (KTE) and the
South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)) are expected to be commissioned within this year. How
will the Bureau co-ordinate the various bus routes and green minibus routes in areas along
the rail lines? Will such work be handled separately from the Public Transport Strategy
Study (PTSS)?
Asked by: Hon WONG Yuk-man (Member Question No. 80)
Reply:
Upon the opening of two new railway lines, namely the KTE and the SIL(E), it is expected
that the travelling pattern of passengers and thus the utilisation of different road-based
public transport services will change. The Transport Department (TD) has assessed the
impact of the two new railways on road-based public transport services, and devised public
transport re-organisation plans (PT Plans) to better suit the passengers’ needs and improve
the operational efficiency of the public transport network for the relevant districts.
The TD is consulting relevant District Councils on the PT Plan for the KTE; and will
commence consultation on the PT Plan for the SIL(E) from mid-2016 onwards. The TD
will make suitable adjustments to the PT Plans taking into account views canvassed.
Change of the travelling pattern of passengers in the wake of the commissioning of the new
railways will also be taken into account before implementation of the PT Plans.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 6 9 9
A summary of the PT Plans for the KTE and the SIL(E) is set out below:
Nature
KTE PT Plan
(Number of Routes)
SIL(E) PT Plan
(Number of Routes)
Franchised
Bus Services
Green
Minibus
Services
Franchised
Bus Services
Green
Minibus
Services
New Route 0 3 0 2
Service Adjustment
(including
amalgamation,
truncation, or diversion)
1 0 16 1
Route Cancellation 1 1 6 0
Frequency Adjustment 33 13 19 13
Total 35 17 41 16
The PT Plans for the KTE and the SIL(E) are handled separately from the PTSS.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)322
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4570)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The works for the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) encountered delay. It is mentioned in this
year’s Policy Address that the sections up to Hung Hom and Admiralty are expected to be
commissioned in three and five years respectively. What are the facts that the Government
has based on in making this forecast? How can the Government guarantee that there will
not be further delay?
Asked by: Hon WONG Yuk-man (Member Question No. 81)
Reply:
As at 31 December 2015, the overall works for the SCL were 48% Note
completed. Works
have been carried out in line with the current target of commissioning the Tai Wai to Hung
Hom section in 2019 and the Hung Hom to Admiralty section in 2021.
The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) is responsible for the overall management of the
SCL project, and the Government closely monitors the work of the MTRCL under the
framework of the three-tiered monitoring mechanism, i.e. the Project Supervision
Committee (PSC) chaired by the Director of Highways, the Project Coordination Meetings
held by an officer at the Assistant Director level of the Highways Department (HyD) with
MTRCL’s General Managers and Project Managers, and the Contract Review Meetings
held by an officer at the Chief Engineer level of the HyD with site supervision staff of the
MTRCL.
Note: The progress of the railway project is expressed in terms of percentage of work done.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 1
The HyD has also appointed a monitoring and verification (M&V) consultant to assist in the
monitoring work and undertake regular audits. The consultant will identify and advise the
HyD any potential risks of delay and comment on the appropriateness of the MTRCL’s
proposed measures for the consideration of the HyD.
Since the SCL project is also implemented under the Concession Approach, some of the
recommendations of the Independent Expert Panel for the Hong Kong section of
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link project are also applicable to the
project. The HyD has implemented the following measures to enhance the monitoring of
the progress and financial status of the SCL project since mid-2014:
(i) an increase in the number of staff in the SCL project team under the Railway
Development Office of the HyD to enhance the monitoring role;
(ii) submission of monthly progress reports to the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB)
for the SCL project with the adoption of “traffic light” system to facilitate the THB’s
understanding of current project status;
(iii) liaising more closely with the MTRCL’s project team and requesting the MTRCL to
provide more detailed information;
(iv) arranging the M&V consultant appointed by the HyD to attend the PSC meetings;
and
(v) establishment of a working group amongst the HyD, the M&V consultant and the
MTRCL with members from the respective specialised teams to review the
programme and progress of the SCL project in detail on a regular basis with all
aspects and levels of works covered.
The SCL is a major underground infrastructure project of a considerable scale. There are
various difficulties and challenges encountered in the course of construction. The
Government will continue to closely monitor the progress of works and conduct timely
reviews of the commissioning programme taking into account the latest situation of the
works.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)323
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4571)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
What are the work plan and timetable in this year for the Public Transport Strategy Study
(PTSS) that is expected to complete in mid-2017, and what are the manpower involved and
the estimated expenditure? The Government says that it will enhance the regime for
approving and regulating hire car service. What are the specific measures?
Asked by: Hon WONG Yuk-man (Member Question No. 82)
Reply:
In late 2014, the Government has rolled out the two parts of the PTSS, namely the Role and
Positioning Review (RPR) and the Topical Study in phases, to conduct a systemic review of
the roles and positioning of public transport services other than heavy rail, and to study
some important topical issues that are of concern to the public transport trades. The aim of
the PTSS is to enhance the existing strategic arrangements of our public transport services
in tandem with the further development of the heavy rail network, so as to ensure the
long-term, balanced, efficient, multi-model and sustainable development of public transport
services.
In view of the public views on taxi and public light bus (PLB) services, we have accorded
priority to the reviews of these two services under the RPR. The key areas of study are the
feasibility of introducing premium taxis and increasing the seating capacity of PLBs. We
plan to report the progress of the two reviews to the Legislative Council Panel on Transport
(the Panel) by mid-2016, and strive to complete the reviews by the third quarter of 2016.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 3
Moreover, since March 2015, we have reported to the Panel the result of six Topical
Studies, including the service level of franchised bus service, school bus service, seating
capacity of the PLBs, supply of taxis, taxi fuel surcharge and statutory cap on the PLBs.
The results of the remaining two studies (i.e. review of ferry service and how to enhance the
provision of accessible transport facilities for people with disabilities) will be reported to the
Panel within the 2015-16 legislative year.
For the RPR, a sum of $9.5 million has been earmarked for commissioning consultancy
studies. A total of six time-limited posts have been created for two and a half years in the
Transport Branch of the Transport and Housing Bureau and the Transport Department,
including one directorate post of Administrative Officer Staff Grade C and five
non-directorate posts. In 2016-17, the notional annual mid-point salary value of the six
posts is about $6.8 million. The Topical Study is carried out using existing resources.
The whole PTSS is expected to be completed by mid-2017. Upon completion of the
PTSS, we will submit a consolidated report.
Having regard to the community’s view on hire cars, the Government is studying ways to
improve the assessment criteria for issuing hire car permits and its regulation (including
measures to facilitate new market entrants) without affecting hire car’s current position in
the transport hierarchy and the current regulatory regime.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)324
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4572)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the Government’s bus route rationalisation through means such as reviewing and
re-organising bus services in a number of districts holistically under an Area Approach and
setting up more interchanges to enhance efficiency, please list the results yielded last year
and the objectives for this year.
What channels, apart from going through District Councillors, does the Government use to
collect views on bus routes from residents?
Asked by: Hon WONG Yuk-man (Member Question No. 83)
Reply:
Bus route rationalisation is an ongoing task of the Transport Department (TD). Since the
Policy Address announcement in 2013, the TD and franchised bus companies have been
pursuing bus route rationalisation with greater vigour through the annual route planning
programmes (RPP) and an “Area Approach”. Area Approach rationalisation has been
implemented in the North District, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sha Tin, Tsing Yi, Tai Po and
Kowloon over the past three years. In 2015, eight bus routes with low utilisation were
cancelled, 14 new routes were introduced, and the frequency/routeing of over 200 routes
were adjusted. All buses released from the rationalisation proposals have been redeployed
to elsewhere to operate new or enhanced services. Furthermore, subsequent to the opening
of the Tuen Mun Road Bus Interchange in 2012-13, the Tsing Sha Highway Bus
Interchange commenced operation in January 2015 to provide passengers with more
attractive interchanging route packages and concessions, as well as better facilities (such as
real-time arrival information display panels, mobile toilets and free Internet access).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 5
For the 2016-17 RPP, the TD and franchised bus companies have proposed 138
rationalisation items (including four route cancellation and 117 frequency reduction
proposals) and 146 improvement items (including introduction of ten new routes and 108
frequency improvement proposals). Consultation with the District Councils concerned on
these proposals is underway. The actual implementation of the proposals will be subject to
the outcome of the consultation.
Apart from DC consultation, information on proposals for each district is available for
public access through the TD’s websites. Members of the public may submit their views
on the RPP to the TD direct through various channels (such as by email and phone hotline
1823). The TD will take into account views received when finalising the RPP proposals.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)325
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3452)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise this Committee on the following:
(a) details of the preparatory work by the Transport and Housing Bureau (THB), the
Department of Justice (DoJ) and relevant Mainland departments on the implementation
of “co-location” arrangements for the boundary control facilities at the West Kowloon
Terminus (WKT) since the approval for funding for the Hong Kong section of the
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) in 2010;
(b) whether the THB and the DoJ have taken 2015 as their work objective of implementing
the “co-location” arrangements given the original commissioning of the Hong Kong
section of the XRL in 2015;
(c) details of work and the expenditure involved in the study on the “co-location”
arrangements or other custom clearance alternatives by the THB and the DoJ in the
past three years.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 145)
Reply:
The implementation of co-location of customs, immigration and quarantine facilities at the
WKT of the XRL involves complicated legal and operational issues and is still under study
and discussion among the DoJ, the Security Bureau, the THB and relevant
bureaux/departments. The Government is continuing its discussions of relevant issues
with Mainland authorities and will provide further information to the public and the
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 7
Legislative Council as and when such discussions have come to a more definite outcome.
Our target is to implement a co-location arrangement that complies with the Basic Law and
the “One Country, Two Systems” principle at the WKT when the XRL commences service
in 2018.
As for the expenditure involved in the study on co-location arrangements, as far as the THB
is concerned, we have been deploying existing manpower resources to handle any work
related to the policy responsibility of the THB as part of our normal duties. Hence, there is
no separate breakdown of expenditure for this particular task.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)326
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4721)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding improving traffic congestion, please advise this Committee on:
(a) the details of and estimated expenditure for raising the fixed penalty levels for traffic
congestion related offences in 2016-17;
(b) the measures to improve the accuracy of the real-time traffic information disseminated
in built-up urban areas to enhance the coverage and usage rate of the intelligent
transport system and improve traffic congestion.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 146)
Reply:
(a) In December 2015, the Government consulted the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel
on Transport on a proposal to raise the fixed penalty levels for traffic congestion
related offences in tandem with inflation to restore their deterrent effect. The
Government will introduce the required legislative amendments at an appropriate time
having regard to the views received. The required work will be absorbed by the
existing staff of the Transport Branch as part of their normal duties. There is no
breakdown of the expenditure for such work.
(b) The Transport Department disseminates real-time traffic information through mobile
applications including “Hong Kong eRouting” and “Hong Kong eTransport”. Since
mobile phone signal coverage in built-up urban areas is very high, there has been no
problem in disseminating the information in such areas. Real-time traffic information
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 0 9
is also disseminated to commuters on the road through variable message signs, journey
time indication systems and speed map panels installed on selected strategic locations.
Such dissemination is not affected in built-up urban areas either.
On the collection of real-time traffic information, detectors have been installed or will
be installed in some sections of the strategic routes as part of the Traffic Control and
Surveillance Systems and the Speed Map Panels System. To enhance the collection
of such information, we plan to install traffic detectors in some sections of roads which
have relatively higher traffic volumes but are not covered by the two systems.
Subject to the approval of funding by the LegCo Finance Committee, we schedule to
commence the study and design work in early 2017 for completion by 2018. The site
installation and implementation works are targeted to commence in 2018 for
completion in 2021. The estimated expenditure of the project is $200 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)327
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4722)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the implementation of the Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme under this
Programme, please advise this Committee of the following:
(a) the progress of the relevant work in 2015-16, including the details of the projects being
carried out, the total value of contracts and the progress of the works;
(b) the work arrangement on inviting various District Councils to make recommendations
for implementation in the next phase of the Programme and the expenditure involved.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 147)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
(a) The Government has been installing barrier-free access (BFA) facilities at public
walkways (i.e. public footbridges, elevated walkways and subways maintained by the
Highways Department (HyD)) for a number of years (the Original Programme) on the
recommendation of the Equal Opportunities Commission. The implementation of
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 1
150 items under the “Original Programme” continues. Most of the items are
anticipated for progressive completion by 2018 as scheduled. As at
29 February 2016, 29 items have been completed, 91 items are under construction, 13
items are anticipated to commence in 2016-17. The construction works for the
remaining 17 items will commence as soon as possible upon completion of detailed
design and obtaining of support from the District Councils (DCs).
In August 2012, the Government launched the new UA Programme to further enhance
the BFA facilities for existing public walkways maintained by the HyD. Installation
of lifts at about 250 public walkways was proposed by the public. In the first half of
2013, we invited all the 18 DCs to prioritise the new items in their districts proposed
by the public. Each DC selected three public walkways for priority implementation
(the “Expanded Programme”). The implementation of these priority items under the
Expanded Programme is well underway. Most of the retrofitting works items are
anticipated for completion from 2017 to 2018 in phases. As at 29 February 2016, 49
priority items are under construction, seven priority items are anticipated to commence
construction in 2016-17 and one priority item will commence as soon as possible upon
completion of its investigation and design works, and obtaining of support from the
DC concerned.
Fifteen works contracts have so far been awarded under the UA Programme at a total
estimated construction cost of about $3,920 million.
(b) From the fourth quarter of this year, the Government will again invite the DCs to
further nominate not more than three existing walkways in each district for the next
phase of the UA Programme. The HyD will continue to deploy existing staff
resources to undertake the DC consultation exercise, with the assistance of consultants
to provide technical support at an estimated expenditure of $0.9 million in 2016-17.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)328
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4723)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding outlying island ferry services, please inform this Committee on:
(a) the progress of implementation of the special helping measures (SHM) for each of the
six major outlying island ferry routes in 2014-15 and 2015-16, including the amount
involved and contents;
(b) the expected time of completion for the mid-term review of these measures;
(c) whether the Government has given up the proposal made by the Transport and Housing
Bureau on constructing additional floors at Central Piers Nos 4, 5 and 6 to subsidise
ferry services as no progress has been made since 2014.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 148)
Reply:
(a) The Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee approved a commitment
of about $190 million in July 2013 to provide the six major outlying island ferry
routes with SHM for the current three-year licence period starting from April /
July 2014 Note
.
Note: The six major outlying island ferry routes are “Central – Cheung Chau”; “Inter-islands” serving Peng
Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau; “Central – Mui Wo”; “Central – Peng Chau”; “Central –
Yung Shue Wan”; and “Central – Sok Kwu Wan”. The current three-year licence of “Central – Mui Wo”
route commenced on 1 April 2014 whereas the licences of the remaining five routes on 1 July 2014.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 3
As at end February 2016, the total amounts of SHM reimbursement approved
by the Transport Department in respect of each of the six major outlying island
ferry routes in 2014-15 and 2015-16 are given in the following tables:
“Central – Cheung Chau” The amounts approved
in 2014-15 and 2015-16
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services
concerned for the annual vessel survey fee and
private mooring charge
580
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
3,160
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off
the amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel
licence fee exemption under established arrangement
6,405
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 29,642
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision
of child fare concessions
4,672
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 1,238
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying
Islands”
482
“Inter-islands” The amounts approved
in 2014-15 and 2015-16
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services
concerned for the annual vessel survey fee and
private mooring charge
Not Applicable *
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
Not Applicable *
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off
the amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel
licence fee exemption under established arrangement
220
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost Not Applicable *
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision
of child fare concessions
69
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost Not Applicable *
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying
Islands”
Not Applicable *
* The only vessel operated on the Inter-islands ferry route is hired from another ferry operator and
the hiring charge has already included the annual vessel survey fee, private mooring charge and vessel
insurance cost. The operation of the route also does not incur pier water, cleansing and electricity
charges because the piers used by the route are either landing steps (i.e. Chi Ma Wan) or the relevant
charges are absorbed by other ferry routes using the same piers (i.e. Peng Chau, Mui Wo and Cheung
Chau).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 4
“Central – Mui Wo” The amounts approved
in 2014-15 and 2015-16
(’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services
concerned for the annual vessel survey fee and
private mooring charge
271
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
1,865
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off
the amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel
licence fee exemption under established arrangement
1,931
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 12,950
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision
of child fare concessions
2,023
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 696
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying
Islands”
168
“Central –Peng Chau” The amounts approved
in 2014-15 and 2015-16
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services
concerned for the annual vessel survey fee and
private mooring charge
181
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
1,700
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off
the amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel
licence fee exemption under established arrangement
2,977
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 5,127
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision
of child fare concessions
1,271
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 657
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying
Islands”
121
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 5
“Central – Yung Shue Wan” The amounts approved
in 2014-15 and 2015-16
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services
concerned for the annual vessel survey fee and
private mooring charge
101
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
2,003
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off
the amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel
licence fee exemption under established arrangement
2,471
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 8,980
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision
of child fare concessions
3,111
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 1,214
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying
Islands”
404
“Central – Sok Kwu Wan” The amounts approved
in 2014-15 and 2015-16
($’000)
(a) Reimbursing the operator of the ferry services
concerned for the annual vessel survey fee and
private mooring charge
61
(b) Reimbursing the pier electricity, water and cleansing
charges
387
(c) Reimbursing the balance of revenue foregone due to
provision of elderly fare concessions after netting off
the amount of pier rental reimbursement and vessel
licence fee exemption under established arrangement
541
(d) Reimbursing the vessel maintenance cost 276
(e) Reimbursing the revenue foregone due to provision
of child fare concessions
632
(f) Reimbursing the vessel insurance cost 269
(g) Launching the “Visiting Scheme to Outlying
Islands”
166
(b) and (c) The Government is carrying out a mid-term review on the provision of SHM to
the six major outlying island ferry routes. We will be reporting the findings of
the review to the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on 15 April 2016.
When the proposal on the construction of additional floors at Central Piers Nos.
4, 5 and 6 was submitted to the Public Works Subcommittee under the Finance
Committee in mid-2013, Members expressed concerns about matters relating to
rental returns, as well as operation and management issues. These matters are
being looked into. Progress will be reported to the Panel on Transport at its
meeting on 15 April 2016.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)329
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4740)
Head: (158) Government Secretariat:
Transport and Housing Bureau
(Transport Branch)
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Land and Waterborne Transport
Controlling Officer: Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport)
(Joseph YT LAI)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding matters in relation to railway development under the Programme, please advise
this Committee on:
(a) any reviews or studies on the future operation and development of the North-west
Transit (Light Rail) in 2015-16; if yes, the details and expenditure involved;
(b) any reviews or studies on the future operation and development of the North-west
Transit (Light Rail) in 2016-17; if yes, the details and expenditure involved.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 169)
Reply:
(a) and (b) The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) prepares a five-year programme on
the operation of the Light Rail (covering changes in the routes operated,
frequencies of service, and vehicle allocation) every year. The Transport
Department (TD) provides advice and comments to the MTRCL, having regard
to factors such as projected population growth and passenger demand in the
areas served by the Light Rail, such that Light Rail service can be better
provided to meet passenger demand. Light Rail service was strengthened in
2015 and 2016 (as at the end of February). Specifically, starting from
28 March 2015, a total of 446 additional trips have been added on the Light Rail
network per week, and more coupled-set Light Rail Vehicles have been
deployed to serve nine Light Rail routes to enhance carrying capacity. The
above review and monitoring works are undertaken by the staff of the TD as
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 7
part of their normal duties. There is no separate breakdown of expenditure for
this purpose.
In additional to the regular review and monitoring work, the Government has
commenced the Public Transport Strategy Study (PTSS), with a view to
conducting a systematic review on the roles and positioning of public transport
services other than heavy rail, and to study some important topical issues that
are of concern to the public transport trades. As mentioned in the paper
submitted to the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport (which is
6-e.pdf) in November 2014, the long term development of the Light Rail will be
reviewed. The topics to be covered include (1) the feasibility of increasing
carrying capacity of the Light Rail with the original design of the system; (2)
the feasibility of upgrading the existing Light Rail system to increase the
carrying capacity; (3) the long-term demand of North West New Territories for
public transport services; and (4) the roles of various public transport services
including the Light Rail in meeting such demand. The PTSS is expected to be
completed by mid-2017 and the findings will be announced.
For the RPR, a sum of $9.5 million has been earmarked for commissioning
consultancy studies. A total of six time-limited posts have been created for
two and a half years in the Transport Branch of the Transport and Housing
Bureau and the Transport Department, including one directorate post of
Administrative Officer Staff Grade C and five non-directorate posts. In
2016-17, the notional annual mid-point salary values of the six posts is about
$6.8 million.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)330
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5443)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Government stated that it will continue to plan and formulate bus route rationalisation
proposals in conjunction with franchised bus companies through the annual route planning
programme (RPP) exercise and using the “Area Approach” where appropriate. In this
connection, what were the results of bus route rationalisation achieved by the Transport
Department (TD)? What were the bus routes and districts involved? What are the
districts involved in the RPPs in the coming year? What are the bus routes and districts
involved?
Asked by: Hon CHAN Chi-chuen (Member Question No. 202)
Reply:
Bus route rationalisation is an ongoing, yearly task of the TD. Since the Policy Address
announcement in 2013, the TD and franchised bus companies have been pursuing bus route
rationalisation with greater vigour through the annual RPP and an “Area Approach”. Area
Approach rationalisation has been implemented in the North District, Tuen Mun, Yuen
Long, Sha Tin, Tsing Yi, Tai Po and Kowloon over the past three years. Between 2013
and 2015, 30 bus routes with low utilisation were cancelled, 25 new routes were introduced,
and the frequency / routeing of around 470 routes were adjusted. All buses saved from the
rationalisation proposals have been redeployed elsewhere to operate new or enhanced
services. Furthermore, subsequent to the opening of the Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus
Interchange in 2012-13, the Tsing Sha Highway Bus-Bus Interchange has commenced
operation since January 2015 to provide passengers with more attractive interchanging route
packages and concessions, as well as better facilities (such as real-time arrival information
display panels, mobile toilets and free Internet access).
For the 2016-17 RPP, the TD and franchised bus companies have proposed 138
rationalisation items (including four route cancellation and 117 frequency reduction
proposals) and 146 improvement items (including introduction of ten new routes and 108
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 1 9
frequency improvement proposals). Consultation with the District Councils on these
proposals is underway. The actual implementation of the proposals will be subject to the
outcome of the consultation.
The bus rationalisation proposals implemented between 2013 and 2015 and those under the
2016-17 RPP under consultation involve all 18 districts across the territory. A
considerable number of franchised bus routes provide cross-district service. There is no
separate breakdown of the number of bus routes rationalisation items by district.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)331
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5539)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
During the morning and evening peak periods, the cross-harbour section of the MTR
Admiralty Station is congested. Passengers can only get on board the third or fourth
arriving trains. After the commissioning of the South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)), the
passenger flow at the station is expected to increase and the problem will become more
serious. Has the Government discussed with the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to
see whether the headway of train service of the Tsuen Wan Line (TWL) at the MTR
Admiralty Station can be further enhanced during peak periods? Has the capacity already
saturated?
The commissioning of the SIL(E) will offer an opportunity for the Government to
re-organise bus routes and attract passengers to switch to MTR. However, given that the
passenger flow at the Admiralty Station has already saturated, will the Government
introduce cross-harbour bus routes to relieve the cross-harbour passenger flow at the
Admiralty Station?
Asked by: Hon CHAN Chi-chuen (Member Question No. 308)
Reply:
According to the MTRCL, the TWL is currently operating at headway of around two
minutes during peak hours on weekdays and has basically reached its design capacity, based
on the maximum service frequency that can be provided for under the existing signalling
system. Only by upgrading the signalling system can the train trips and carrying capacity
be increased substantially. The MTRCL has already awarded the contract in March 2015
to replace the signalling systems for seven MTR lines (including the TWL), which will be
completed in phases from 2018. For the TWL, advance works commenced in December
2015, and the replacement works are targeted for completion in 2018. Upon the full
completion of the upgrading of signalling system in 2026, the carrying capacity of these
MTR lines will be enhanced by about 10% overall.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 1
In the interim, the MTRCL will continue to adopt various measures in enhancing the
efficiency of its train service. For instance, in managing passenger flow during peak hours
at busy stations including interchange stations such as Admiralty, the MTRCL has
implemented measures including deploying additional staff and platform assistants for
better platform management to ensure even distribution of passengers throughout the length
of platforms or inside train compartments in order to minimise the dwelling time of trains at
platforms, which in turn increases the efficiency of train service.
To help meet the passenger demand for cross-harbour services, there are 78 cross-harbour
franchised bus routes (of which 61 are regular services and 17 are peak-only services)
serving alongside the most crowded cross-harbour sections of the railway. In addition,
there are another 74 peak-only non-cross-harbour routes meeting the high passenger demand
during the peak periods. Upon the opening of the SIL(E), it is expected that the travelling
pattern of passengers and thus the utilisation of different road-based public transport
services will change. The Transport Department (TD) has assessed the impact of the
SIL(E) on road-based public transport services, and devised a public transport
re-organisation plan (PT Plan) to better suit the passengers’ needs and improve the
operational efficiency of the public transport network. To better meet the anticipated
passenger demand, there would not be any major changes to the existing cross-harbour bus
route network, and there is no plan to introduce new cross-harbour route because the
coverage of the existing network is extensive, and the capacity should generally remain
adequate to meet passenger demand after the opening of the SIL(E). The TD is consulting
relevant District Councils on the PT Plan, and will make suitable adjustments to it taking
into account views canvassed. Any change in the travelling pattern of passengers in the
wake of the commissioning of the railway will also be taken into account before
implementation of the PT Plan. The TD will continue to monitor the situation and make
adjustments as and when necessary.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)332
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3528)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Government will take over the management of the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC)
upon expiry of the franchise in 2016. In this regard, please provide the following
information:
(1) Will the Transport Department (TD) prepare for the take-over of the EHC in 2016-17?
If yes, what are the work plan, timetable and estimated expenditure involved?
(2) Upon take-over of the EHC in 2016 by the Government, traffic diversion can be
achieved through adjustment of the tolls of both Cross-Harbour Tunnel (CHT) and the
EHC or other measures. Will the TD conduct studies and consultations on the relevant
toll adjustments or other measures and formulate specific measures in 2016-17? If yes,
what are the work plans and timetable? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 233)
Reply:
(1) The TD, the Highways Department (HyD) and other relevant government departments
have already started the preparatory work for the take-over of the EHC in August 2016
in conjunction with the selected operator operating under a management, operation and
maintenance contract. The major preparation work for the take-over includes
reviewing the maintenance requirements of the structure and operating equipment and
systems, as well as the procedures for operating the tunnels, etc.
The work involved is undertaken by a new EHC section in the TD and a new team in
the HyD. In 2016-17, the total expenditure (including personal emoluments and
maintenance expenditures) for the TD and the HyD are about $10.19 million and $14.92
million respectively.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 3
(2) The Government has undertaken to study the rationalisation of traffic distribution
among the three road harbour crossings (RHCs) to alleviate traffic congestion. In
formulating a toll rationalisation plan for the RHCs, it is necessary to consider a number
of factors, such as the capacities of the RHCs and their connecting roads, and the traffic
impact on the relevant districts after toll adjustment. Any toll adjustment scheme to
this end must look at all three RHCs in a holistic manner. The traffic condition at the
EHC, particularly at its connecting roads, is deteriorating. The Western Harbour
Crossing (WHC), though currently running under its design capacity, is constrained by
the traffic condition at its connecting roads. When commissioned, the Central-Wan
Chai Bypass will help ease the congestion of the connecting roads of the WHC, thus
providing a basis for the Government to consider implementing a comprehensive toll
adjustment scheme covering all three RHCs. Upon the take-over of the EHC, the
Government will embark on a study of the overall strategy and feasible options for the
rationalisation of traffic among the three RHCs.
In the meantime, the TD will closely monitor the traffic situation at all the RHCs and
their neighbouring areas, and implement further traffic management measures when
necessary, including the continual development of intelligent transport systems to
enhance the road network efficiency and more efficient distribution of traffic
information. The Government will also study how to enhance the cross-harbour bus
network efficiency, and encourage the operators to provide more bus-bus interchange
concessions.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)333
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3529)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the bus route rationalisation plans on the Hong Kong Island, please advise this
Committee on the following:
(1) Apart from the bus route rationalisation plans to tie in with the commissioning of the
West Island Line (WIL) and the South Island Line East (SIL(E)), will the Transport
Department (TD) carry out re-organisation of other bus routes serving the Hong Kong
Island and cross-harbour bus routes in 2016-17? If yes, what are the details?
(2) The SIL(E) is anticipated to commence service in 2016-17. Will the TD carry out
follow-up surveys to examine the impact of bus routes re-organisation on bus
passengers and road traffic of the Southern District? If yes, what are the specific plan
and work schedule?
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 234) Reply: (1) Bus route rationalisation is an ongoing task of the TD. Apart from the public
transport re-organisation plans (PT Plans) to tie in with the opening of the WIL and the
SIL(E), there are annual route planning programmes (RPPs) through which franchised
bus operators would put forward rationalisation proposals for different districts to
better meet prevailing passenger demand. Insofar as bus routes serving the Hong
Kong Island and cross-harbour bus routes are concerned, under the 2016-17 RPPs,
franchised bus operators have proposed to introduce five new main / supplementary
routes and to adjust the services of 46 existing routes. The TD is consulting relevant
District Councils on the RPPs, and will make suitable adjustments to them taking into
account views canvassed. Details of these proposals under the 2016-17 RPPs are
provided at Annex.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 5
(2) The TD will engage consultants to carry out follow-up surveys to assess the service
level and passenger demand in respect of the public transport services affected upon
the commissioning of new railway lines, including the SIL(E). The TD will continue
to monitor the traffic condition of the Southern District after commissioning of the
SIL(E) and implementation of the associated PT Plan, and make appropriate
fine-turnings to public transport services serving the district as and when necessary.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 6
Annex
2016-17 Route Planning Programmes
Proposals in respect of routes for the Hong Kong Island and cross-harbour routes
Bus
Company
Route
Number Origin – Destination Nature of the Proposal
Hong Kong Island Routes
NWFB 3A Central Ferry Piers (Pier 7) –
Mount Davis (Felix Villas)
Frequency reduction
CTB 5X Kennedy Town – Causeway Bay
(Whitfield Road)
Adjustment of routeing
CTB 12 Central (Central Ferry Piers) to
Robinson Road (Circular)
Frequency reduction
CTB 12M Admiralty (Tamar Street) to Park
Road (Circular)
Vehicle conversion
NWFB 13 Central (City Hall) – Kotewall
Road
Frequency reduction
NWFB 18X Kennedy Town (Belcher Bay
Temporary Bus Terminus) – Shau
Kei Wan
- Relocation of
terminating point
- Adjustment of routeing
NWFB 23 North Point Ferry Pier – Pokfield
Road
Frequency reduction
NWFB 23B Braemar Hill – Robinson Road
Park Road – Braemar Road - Extension of routeing
- Vehicle conversion
- Frequency reduction NWFB 30X Cyberport – Central (Exchange
Square) (Circular)
Frequency reduction
CTB 40 Wah Fu (North) – Wan Chai North
Temporary Public Transport
Interchange
- Conversion to
uni-directional service
- Relocation of
terminating points
- Adjustment of routeing
- Frequency reduction CTB 40M Wah Fu (North) – Admiralty
(Government Headquarters)
- Relocation of
terminating point
- Adjustment of routeing
CTB 41A Wah Fu (Central) – North Point
Ferry Pier
Adjustment of routeing of
special departures
CTB 43M Tin Wan Estate to Shek Tong Tsui
(Des Voeux Road West near Hill
Road) (Circular)
- Route truncation
- Vehicle conversion
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 7
Bus
Company
Route
Number Origin – Destination Nature of the Proposal
NWFB 82M Chai Wan Station – Siu Sai Wan
(Island Resort) (Circular) - Cancellation of special
departures
- Frequency
improvement
Cross-Harbour Routes
CTB/KMB 107 Wah Kwai Estate – Kowloon Bay - Introduction of a new
supplementary route
- Frequency reduction
NWFB/KMB 111P Choi Fook to Central (Macau
Ferry)
Adjustment of routeing
KMB 373 Sheung Shui – Sheung Wan - Relocation of
terminating point
- Adjustment of routeing
- Frequency reduction
KMB 673 Sheung Shui to Wan Chai North
Temporary Public Transport
Interchange
- Relocation of
terminating point
- Frequency
improvement
KMB 978A Fanling (Luen Wo Hui) to Wan
Chai North Temporary Public
Transport Interchange
Frequency improvement
KMB 603P Admiralty Station to Ping Ting Adjustment of routeing
CTB/KMB 621 Laguna City – Central (Hong
Kong Station Public Transport
Interchange)
Frequency reduction
NWFB/KMB 641 Kai Tak (Kai Ching Estate) –
Central (Macau Ferry)
Adjustment of routeing
CTB/KMB 678 Sheung Shui – Causeway Bay Frequency improvement
CTB/KMB 681P Yiu On – Sheung Wan - Introduction of a new
supplementary route
- Frequency reduction
NWFB 682 Wu Kai Sha Station – Chai Wan
(East)
Frequency reduction
NWFB 682A Ma On Sha Town Centre to Chai
Wan (East)
Chai Wan (East) to Wu Kai Sha
Station
Extension of routeing
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 8
Bus
Company
Route
Number Origin – Destination Nature of the Proposal
NWFB 682B Shui Chuen O – Chai Wan (East) Adjustment of routeing
NWFB 682P Lee On / Wu Kai Sha Station to
Chai Wan (East) - Extension of routeing
- Frequency
improvement
NWFB/KMB 692P Choi Ping Public Transport
Interchange – Central (Exchange
Square)
Frequency reduction
NWFB 694 Tiu Keng Leng Station Public
Transport Interchange – Siu Sai
Wan
Adjustment of routeing
NWFB/KMB 904 Lai Chi Kok – Kennedy Town - Route truncation
- Frequency reduction
NWFB/KMB 905 Lai Chi Kok – Wan Chai North
Temporary Public Transport
Interchange
Introduction of special
departures
NWFB/KMB 914 Hoi Lai Estate – Causeway Bay
(Tin Hau) - Adjustment of routeing
- Frequency reduction
CTB 930 Wan Chai North Temporary Public
Transport Interchange – Tsuen
Wan (Discovery Park Bus
Terminus)
Adjustment of routeing
CTB 930X Wan Chai North Temporary Public
Transport Interchange – Tsuen
Wan (Discovery Park Bus
Terminus)
- Extension of operating
hours
- Adjustment of routeing
KMB 934A Allway Gardens to Wan Chai Frequency improvement
NWFB/KMB 948 Cheung On to Causeway Bay (Tin
Hau)
Causeway Bay (Tin Hau) to
Cheung Wang
- Extension of operating
hours
- Adjustment of routeing
KMB 960P Hung Shui Kiu (Hung Yuen Road)
to Wan Chai North Temporary
Public Transport Interchange
Frequency improvement
CTB 962E So Kwun Wat (Avignon) –
TaiKoo (Kornhill Plaza) / Quarry
Bay
Introduction of a new
supplementary route
CTB 967 Tin Shui Wai North (Tin Yan
Estate) – Admiralty Station (West)
Bus Terminus
Adjustment of routeing
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 2 9
Bus
Company
Route
Number Origin – Destination Nature of the Proposal
CTB 969 Tin Shui Wai Town Centre –
Causeway Bay (Moreton Terrace)
Adjustment of routeing
NWFB 970X Aberdeen – So Uk Cancellation of special
departures
NWFB 971 Shek Pai Wan Estate Public
Transport Interchange – Hoi Lai
Estate
Route truncation
NWFB/KMB 980X Wu Kai Sha Station – Admiralty
Station
Introduction of a new
supplementary route
CTB/KMB 982X Shui Chuen O Public Transport
Interchange to Wan Chai
(Hennessy Road)
Frequency improvement
CTB A12 Siu Sai Wan (Island Resort) –
Airport (Ground Transportation
Centre)
Frequency reduction
CTB E11A Causeway Bay (Tin Hau) –
AsiaWorld-Expo
Frequency improvement
CTB E11S Tung Chung (Yat Tung Estate
Public Transport Terminus) to
Causeway Bay (Tin Hau)
Frequency improvement
CTB NA11 North Point Ferry Pier – Airport
(Ground Transportation Centre)
Introduction of a new
route
Legend:
CTB - Citybus Limited
KMB - The Kowloon Motors Bus Company (1933) Limited
NWFB - New World First Bus Services Limited
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)334
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3530)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the number of vehicle licences in Hong Kong, would the Transport Department
(TD) advise on the following:
(1) the numbers of registered vehicles of different vehicle classes in Hong Kong in the
past five years; please provide a breakdown of the numbers by year and vehicle class;
(2) the numbers of trade licences in Hong Kong in the past five years; please provide a
breakdown of the numbers by year and vehicle class; and
(3) in 2016-17, whether the TD will conduct research and consultation as to whether
restriction should be imposed on the number of vehicles and the number of vehicle
licences issued in Hong Kong; if affirmative, please provide the concrete plan and
schedule of work.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 235)
Reply:
(1) The numbers of registered vehicles by class as at the end of each of the past five years
applicable* * Trade licence for left-hand drive vehicles was introduced after the passage of the Road
Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2012
which took effect from 9 July 2012.
(3) Restricting the number of vehicles or the number of vehicle licences issued requires
putting in place some form of ceiling or quota. Any such ceiling or quota is bound to
be contentious. The Government must carefully assess the pros and cons of the
policy and its impact on the public. If the Government is to consider implementing
such measure in future, it will fully consult various stakeholders and the community.
The Government has no plan to conduct research or consultation in this regard in
2016-17.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)335
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3531)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding improvement of air quality in Hong Kong:
(1) the Government in the “A Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong” stated that it would set up
pedestrian precincts where appropriate. In this regard, what are the Government’s
work plan, programme, expenditure and manpower resources involved in the coming
two years?
(2) in the past three years, has the Government conducted any overseas visits for setting
up of pedestrian precincts or public space for pedestrians? If yes, what were the
details, results, number of participating officers and their titles, expenditure and
manpower resources involved? If no, will the Government make reference to the
experience of overseas cities?
(3) in 2014, the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP) raised the idea to the
Government of setting up a “tram and pedestrian only” precinct at Des Voeux Road
Central. Did the Government contact or discuss with the HKIP about their idea?
Did the Government study its feasibility? What were the expenditure and manpower
resource involved? If no, will the Government plan to study the idea concerned? If
a study will be carried out, please advise the annual manpower and resource
requirements in the next two years and the programme and details of the study.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 236)
Reply:
(1) The Transport Department (TD) will continue to implement measures to improve the
pedestrian environment at suitable locations under the management of the TD.
Construction works of the traffic calming measures to improve the walking
environment at Woosung Street between Kansu Street and Nanking Street in Jordan;
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 3
and at Dundas Street between Nathan Road and Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok have
already commenced and are scheduled for completion by end-2016 at a total estimated
cost of about $2.3 million. The works involved are part of the regular duties of the
TD’s staff, and there is no separate breakdown for the manpower resources involved.
(2) In the past three years, the TD did not have any overseas duty visits solely for studying
the setting up of pedestrian precincts. However, the TD has been closely monitoring
overseas experience in improving the pedestrian environment. When considering
measures to improve the pedestrian environment, the TD will make reference to
overseas experience as appropriate, having regard to local characteristics.
(3) The HKIP put forward a proposal on a “tram and pedestrian precinct” at Des Voeux
Road Central to the Government in 2014. The TD, together with relevant
government departments, had studied the proposal and had communicated with and
conveyed our comments to the HKIP. The TD believed that any pedestrian-only
scheme should strike a balance between the benefits brought to pedestrians and the
needs of commuters using different modes of transport and the transport trades. The
Government noted that the HKIP has not included detailed assessment of and feasible
solutions to issues such as its impact on traffic and public transport of the nearby road
sections, the demand for loading / unloading of goods and passengers, the operation of
emergency access, and traffic arrangements for buildings undergoing redevelopment
or maintenance, etc. The TD welcomes further discussion with the HKIP on these
issues. Regarding the manpower required, studying the HKIP’s proposal is part of
the regular duties of the TD’s staff, and there is no separate breakdown for such work.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)336
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3532)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the financial provision and establishment of the Transport Department:
(1) there is an increase in manpower resources and provision for the five programmes:
Programme (1) by six posts and 7.7% of the provision; Programme (2) by 50 posts and
11.2% of the provision; Programme (3) by eight posts and -0.9% of the provision;
Programme (4) by 14 posts and 5.7% of the provision; and Programme (5) by 25.0%
of the provision. Please provide the reasons, details, establishment and timetable for
the increases in respect of each programme; and
(2) there is an increase of 78 posts for 2016-17 in the Operating Account. Please provide
the reasons, details, establishment and timetable.
Asked by: Dr Hon Kenneth CHAN Ka-lok (Member Question No. 237)
Reply:
(1) The variance between 2016-17 draft estimate and 2015-16 revised estimate is provided
below:
Programme Variance between 2016-17 draft estimate and
2015-16 revised estimate / reasons and details
(1) Planning and
Development + $29.7 million
due to -
(a) a net increase of six posts in 2016-17 (+$4.2 million);
(b) full-year effect of filling of vacancies in 2015-16 and salary
adjustment due to increment and other miscellaneous changes
(+$6.9 million);
(c) increased provident fund contribution (+$1.4 million);
(d) increased requirement in operating expenses (+$2.7 million);
and
(e) increase in non-recurrent expenditure (+$14.5 million).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 5
Programme Variance between 2016-17 draft estimate and
2015-16 revised estimate / reasons and details
(2) Licensing of
Vehicles and
Drivers
+ $39.7 million
due to -
(a) a net increase of 50 posts in 2016-17 (+$15.1 million);
(b) the full-year effect of filling of vacancies in 2015-16 and salary
adjustment due to increment and other miscellaneous changes
(+$13.3 million);
(c) increased provident fund contribution (+$3.0 million);
(d) increased requirement in operating expenses (+$7.7 million);
and
(e) increase in capital expenditure (+$0.6 million).
(3) District
Traffic and
Transport
Services
- $4.5 million
due to -
(a) the decrease in capital expenditures (-$27.5 million);
partly offset by -
(b) the creation of eight posts in 2016-17 (+$4.4 million);
(c) the full-year effect of filling of vacancies in 2015-16, salary
adjustment due to increment and other miscellaneous changes
(+$5.5 million);
(d) increased provident fund contribution (+$2.4 million);
(e) increased requirement in operating expenses (+$8.3 million);
and
(f) increase in non-recurrent expenditure (+$2.4 million).
(4) Management
of Transport
Services
+ $18.1 million
due to -
(a) the creation of 14 posts in 2016–17 (+$8.4 million);
(b) the full-year effect of filling of vacancies in 2015-16 and salary
adjustment due to increment (+$1.8 million);
(c) increased provident fund contribution (+$0.8 million);
(d) increased requirement in operating expenses (+$4.3 million);
and
(e) increase in capital expenditure (+$2.8 million).
(5) Transport
Services for
Persons with
Disabilities and
Government
Public Transport
Fare Concession
Scheme for the
Elderly and
Eligible Persons
with Disabilities
+ $247.7 million
due to -
(a) salary adjustment due to increment and other miscellaneous
changes (+$0.2 million);
(b) increased requirement in operating expenses (+$11.0 million);
(c) increase in subventions on special transport facilities for
persons with disabilities (+$4.5 million);
(d) increase in expenditure on procurement and replacement of
rehabuses (+$7.8 million); and
(e) additional provision for the Government Public Transport Fare
Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with
Disabilities (+$227.4 million);
partly offset by -
(f) the decrease in non-recurrent expenditure (-$3.2 million).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 6
(2) There will be a net increase of 78 non-directorate posts in 2016-17 as a result of the
creation of 98 posts, including permanent and time-limited, to be offset by the deletion
of 20 time-limited posts. Details including the reasons for creation of the posts and
the establishment are summarised as follows:
Reasons and Details Grade Number
of post
To cope with work relating to the
cyclical upsurge in renewal of
driving licences
Executive Officer 1
Clerical Officer / Clerical
Assistant
25
To provide administrative and
clerical support in handling
licensing-related matters in the
Licensing Offices
Executive Officer 1
Clerical Officer 15
To enhance the monitoring of the
designated car testing centres and
implement the vehicle emission
control programmes
Motor Vehicle Examiner 3
Vehicle Tester 3
Clerical Officer 6
To upgrade public transport
facilities
Transport Officer 4
To handle time-limited tasks
relating to bus franchise and ferry
licences
Transport Officer 4
To conduct comprehensive review
and for continuous operation and
monitoring of the Government
Public Transport Fare Concession
Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible
Persons with Disabilities
Transport Officer 4
Treasury Accountant 1
Accounting Officer 2
Clerical Officer 1
To assume various responsibilities
after the takeover of the Eastern
Harbour Crossing to ensure its
smooth and safe operation as a
government tunnel
Transport Officer 2
Transport Controller 3
Clerical Officer 2
To conduct tender exercise for
selecting a tunnel management,
operation and maintenance
contractor for the Central-Wan Chai
Bypass and the Island Eastern
Corridor Link
Transport Officer
2
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 7
Reasons and Details Grade Number
of post
To strengthen manpower for
emergency co-ordination in cases of
serious traffic incidents
Transport Officer 7
To provide field detection facilities
for traffic incident management and
real-time traffic information
dissemination
Engineer 2
To implement the provision of
covers on public walkways
connecting to major transport
interchanges or railways stations
Engineer 3
Technical Officer (Traffic) 1
Traffic Assistant 1
To conduct strategic studies on
railways and major roads
Engineer 1
Technical Officer (Traffic) 1
To carry out the study on
installation of smart devices at
signalised pedestrian crossings for
the elderly
Engineer 1
To provide traffic and transport
input to the licensing scheme for
private columbaria as provided
under the Private Columbaria
Ordinance and taking forward
public columbarium projects
Engineer 1
Technical Officer (Traffic) 1
Total : 98
The above posts are targeted to be created within 2016-17 to tie in with the
implementation of the programmes.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)337
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4542)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Under Matters Requiring Special Attention under this Programme, the Government stated
that it will “review the relaxation of traffic restriction in South Lantau” in 2016-17. In this
connection, will the Government inform this Committee of the completion date of the
review?
Under Matters Requiring Special Attention under this Programme, the Government stated
that it will “continue to rationalise and improve bus services”. In this connection, will the
Government inform this Committee of the number of bus routes with rationalisation
proposals successfully implemented in 2015-16? What is the number of bus routes with
rationalisation proposals being rejected? What is the number of bus routes expected to be
rationalised in 2016-17? What are the bus routes involved?
Asked by: Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip (Member Question No. 74)
Reply:
In June 2015, the Transport Department (TD) proposed permitting 20 more tour coaches
each day and 50 private cars on weekdays (except public holidays) to enter South Lantau for
leisure and recreational purposes to promote tourism and local economy in the area.
Having considered stakeholders’ concerns during consultation, the TD has decided to
implement the proposal in phases. The first phase, which involved allowing 10 more tour
coaches and 25 private cars access to South Lantau, has been implemented since December
2015 and February 2016 respectively. The TD is monitoring the impact of the first phase
and will review in 2016-17 the implementation schedule for the second phase with due
regard to the traffic condition and supply of car parking spaces in the area.
Bus route rationalisation is an ongoing task of the TD. In 2015, eight bus routes with low
utilisation were cancelled, 14 new routes were introduced, and the frequency / routeing of
over 200 routes were adjusted. All buses saved from the rationalisation proposals have
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 3 9
been redeployed to elsewhere to operate new or enhanced services. Having regard to the
views canvassed during consultation, the franchised bus operators did not pursue 30
proposals on which the District Councils (DCs) were consulted.
For the 2016-17 route planning programmes, the TD and franchised bus companies have
proposed 138 rationalisation items (including four route cancellation and 117 frequency
reduction proposals) and 146 improvement items (including introduction of ten new routes
and 108 frequency improvement proposals). Consultation with the DCs concerned on
these proposals is underway. The actual implementation of the proposals will be subject to
the outcome of the consultation.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)338
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6030)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please tabulate the number of disabled persons who had driving licences according to their
types of disabilities in the past five years.
Asked by: Dr Hon Fernando CHEUNG Chiu-hung (Member Question No. 542)
Reply:
As stipulated in Section 2 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (RTO) (Cap 374), a “disabled
person” means a person who is the holder of a certificate signed by or on behalf of the
Director of Health or the Hospital Authority within the meaning of the Hospital Authority
Ordinance (Cap 113) stating that such person is suffering from a permanent disease or
physical disability that causes him considerable difficulty in walking. While the Transport
Department keeps statistical information on the number of driving licence holders who are
disabled persons as defined under Section 2 of the RTO, there is no breakdown on the types
of disabilities.
The numbers of disabled persons as defined under Section 2 of the RTO holding full driving
licences in the past five years are tabulated below:
Year Number of disabled persons holding
Hong Kong full driving licences at year end
2011 2 260
2012 2 335
2013 2 428
2014 2 523
2015 2 596
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)339
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6416)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide a list of groups, organisations or companies which are authorised to provide
transport services for wheelchair users and the registered number of vehicles that can carry
wheelchair users (including all bus companies).
Asked by: Dr Hon Fernando CHEUNG Chiu-hung (Member Question No. 164)
Reply:
The Government is committed to taking forward the concept of Transport for All. With
the concerted efforts of the Government and transport operators, continuous improvement
has been made to transport facilities to promote a barrier-free transport system to cater for
the needs of different groups of passengers, including people with disabilities.
Details on transport services for wheelchair users regulated by the Transport Department
(TD) are set out below:
Type of
Transport Service
Operator Number of
Registered
Wheelchair
Accessible Vehicles
(as at end 2015)
Franchised bus
service
The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933)
Limited
3 580
Citybus Limited 792
New World First Bus Services Limited 720
Long Win Bus Company Limited 190
New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited 54
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 2
Type of
Transport Service
Operator Number of
Registered
Wheelchair
Accessible Vehicles
(as at end 2015)
MTR Feeder bus
service
MTR Corporation Limited 155
Taxi service Operated under the fleet of the Diamond
Cab and the SynCab
77
Service provided
by private cars
issued with hire car
permits by the TD
for hire and reward
Hire car operators Note
21
Note: Private cars issued with hire car permits are owned by individual and/or private
companies which are not public transport operators.
Apart from the above transport modes, the TD also monitors the operation of the Rehabus
services provided by the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, which has a fleet of 147
wheelchair accessible vehicles as at end 2015.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)340
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6456)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs. Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In the past five years, what were the numbers of traffic accidents on the closed roads in
South Lantau and the numbers of prosecutions against entering the closed roads without
valid Lantau Closed Road Permits (LCRPs)?
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Number of traffic accidents
Number of prosecutions against
entering the closed roads
without valid LCRPs
Asked by: Dr Hon Fernando CHEUNG Chiu-hung (Member Question No. 277)
Reply:
The numbers of traffic accidents on the closed roads in South Lantau, and the numbers of
prosecutions against driving on the closed roads in South Lantau without valid LCRPs in the
past five years are shown in the following table:
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Numbers of traffic accidents 31 42 47 43 47
Numbers of prosecutions
against driving on the closed
roads in South Lantau without
valid LCRPs
212 611 637 823 1 007
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)341
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6542)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
According to the reply serial no. THB(T)386 of the Estimates of Expenditure 2015-16, “The
Transport Department (TD) has required all franchised bus companies to make low-floor
and wheelchair-accessible design a standard specification when acquiring new buses as the
operating situation permits. At present, among the 5 810 licensed franchised buses that are
operating in the territory, about 4 620 or 80% of them are wheelchair-accessible with low
floor.” Please advise on the progress of the bus replacement programme.
Asked by: Hon CHEUNG Kwok-che (Member Question No. 1018)
Reply:
At present, among the 5 865 licensed franchised buses that are operating in Hong Kong,
about 5 340 or 91% of them are wheelchair-accessible with low floor. According to the
current bus replacement programmes, it is expected that all franchised buses (except those
operated by the New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited (NLB) in South LantauNote
) will
be replaced by low-floor wheelchair-accessible buses by 2017. The TD will continue to
closely monitor the progress of the replacement programmes.
- End -
____________________________________
Note: This is because there are technical limitations over the use of low-floor buses on some road
sections with steep gradient and sharp bends in South Lantau. Nevertheless, the NLB is
deploying four newly procured wheelchair accessible low-floor buses with a modified
design that has higher ground clearance than typical low-floor models to operate on routes
11 (Tung Chung Temporary Bus Terminus – Tai O) and 23 (Tung Chung Temporary Bus
Terminus – Ngong Ping) to try out whether these vehicles can suit South Lantau’s local
characteristics. The TD will keep in view of the trial outcome and continue to explore with
the NLB the use of low-floor buses with modified design on South Lantau routes.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)342
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6543)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
According to the reply serial no. THB(T)386 of the Estimates of Expenditure 2015-16, it is
expected that by end of 2017 or before, all franchised buses will be replaced by wheelchair
accessible low-floor buses, except those buses of the New Lantao Bus Company (1973)
Limited (NLB) operating bus services in South Lantau. It is because the low-floor bus is
not suitable to operate on the roads with steep gradient and sharp bends in South Lantau.
Hence, the wheelchair accessible low-floor buses of the NLB can only be deployed to the
bus routes that are not operated via these roads. Please advise:
(a) details of those roads with steep gradient and shape bend in South Lantau;
(b) which sections in these roads have steep gradient and sharp bends;
(c) why buses operating on these roads cannot be replaced by wheelchair accessible
low-floor buses; and
(d) is there any study in respect of the operation of wheelchair accessible low-floor buses?
If yes, what are the details? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Hon CHEUNG Kwok-che (Member Question No. 1019) Reply:
When a low-floor bus makes turn on sharp bends and travels on undulating roads, its low
ground clearance may cause damage to both the bus chassis and the road surface. Since
major roads in South Lantau (namely Tung Chung Road, South Lantau Road and Keung
Shan Road) are built along hillsides, they all have steep gradient (the maximum gradient of
Tung Chung Road and Keung Shan Road is approximately 1:6) and shape bends at various
sections. This has posed technical limitations to the use of typical low-floor bus models on
routes serving South Lantau. Nevertheless, the New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited
(NLB) is deploying four newly procured wheelchair accessible low-floor buses with a
modified design that has higher ground clearance than typical low-floor models to operate
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 6
on routes 11 (Tung Chung Temporary Bus Terminus – Tai O) and 23 (Tung Chung
Temporary Bus Terminus – Ngong Ping) to try out whether these vehicles can suit South
Lantau’s local characteristics. The TD will keep in view of the trial outcome and continue
to explore with the NLB the use of low-floor buses with modified design on South Lantau
routes.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)343
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6850)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
With regard to the Government’s initiative to relax the traffic restriction in South Lantau,
please advise:
(a) What were the details of consultation? Which parties were consulted? What were
the views received? Was there any public consultation?
(b) What was the policy objective of the initiative to relax the traffic restriction in South
Lantau?
(c) What were the details of relaxation of traffic restrictions in South Lantau and the
implementation programme?
(d) Was there any study on the impact of the relaxation of traffic restriction on the country
parks in Lantau? If yes, what are the details? If no, what are the reasons?
Asked by: Hon CHEUNG Kwok-che (Member Question No. 1077)
Reply:
Tung Chung Road (south of Shek Mun Kap Road) and all other roads in South Lantau are
closed roads. Only vehicles with the Lantau Closed Road Permits (LCRPs) are allowed to
enter. The purpose of the restriction is to avoid having excessive traffic which the road
system in South Lantau cannot support from the capacity and safety perspectives. The
Transport Department (TD) issues the LCRPs to parties concerned such as franchised bus
operators, taxi drivers, tour coach operators, residents and construction companies, etc., with
duration specified having regard to their genuine need to get access to the closed roads for
transporting passengers, carrying out construction projects and goods delivery, etc.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 8
In June 2015, the TD proposed permitting 20 more tour coaches each day and 50 private
cars on weekdays (except public holidays) to enter South Lantau for leisure and recreational
purposes to promote tourism and local economy in the area.
Public consultation on the proposed traffic relaxation measures was conducted in mid-2015.
The parties consulted included the Traffic and Transport Committee of the Islands District
Council, four Rural Committees in Lantau, the Traffic and Transport Sub-committee of the
Lantau Development Advisory Committee, relevant public transport operators, the tourism
trade and 36 green groups.
The TD received both supporting and opposing views during the consultation. Supporters
agreed that the roads in South Lantau should be opened up in a gradual and orderly manner
to enhance the accessibility of the area. Those objecting were mainly concerned about the
road conditions, insufficient parking spaces and potential safety risks from motorists who
were unfamiliar with roads in the area.
The TD has duly examined the road conditions, traffic flow and parking facilities in South
Lantau. It is considered that the numbers of vehicles and visitors brought about by the
proposals would be small and would not have significant impact on the country parks on the
Lantau Island. The TD also considers that the traffic on the closed roads is light and could
accommodate more traffic. Although some road sections on the closed roads are relatively
steep, narrow and winding, the roads are safe for driving. Notwithstanding the above,
traffic signs and road markings have been provided at appropriate locations, and speed
enforcement cameras have also been installed on some road sections to deter speeding.
The TD has also been actively working with relevant departments in carrying out a number
of road bend improvement works and providing more car parking spaces in South Lantau.
The TD has also published driving guides for the successful applicants to familiarise
themselves with the road conditions thereat, which also provide them with points to which
they should pay attention when driving on the roads.
Having considered the stakeholders’ concerns during the consultation, the TD has decided
to implement the proposal in phases. The first phase, which involved allowing 10 more
coaches and 25 private cars access to South Lantau, has been implemented since December
2015 and February 2016 respectively. The TD is monitoring the impact of the first phase
and will review in 2016-17 the implementation schedule for the second phase with due
regard to the traffic condition and supply of car parking spaces in the area.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 4 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)344
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6851)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
With regard to the Government’s initiative to relax the traffic restriction in South Lantau,
please advise:
(a) the purpose of imposing traffic restriction on roads in South Lantau;
(b) the year when South Lantau Road was built and the reason for building the road; and
(c) the relationship between South Lantau Road and the Shek Pik Reservoir.
Asked by: Hon CHEUNG Kwok-che (Member Question No. 1078)
Reply:
(a) At present, Tung Chung Road (south of its junction with Shek Mun Kap Road)
and all other roads in South Lantau are closed roads, and only vehicles with
the Lantau Closed Road Permits issued by the Transport Department (TD) are
allowed to drive on the roads concerned. The purpose of the restriction is to
avoid having excessive traffic which the road system in South Lantau cannot
support from the capacity and safety perspectives.
(b) and (c) South Lantau Road is a major road at the southern part of the Lantau Island.
It starts from the Mui Wo route via Pui O, Cheung Sha, Tong Fuk, Shui Hau
and ends at the Shek Pik Reservoir Dam. The TD has no records on the year
when South Lantau Road was built, the reason for building the road and the
relationship between South Lantau Road and the Shek Pik Reservoir.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)345
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6852)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
With regard to reviewing the relaxation of traffic restriction in South Lantau and examining
whether the roads and the car parking capacity in South Lantau can cope with further
relaxation, please advise the expenditure involved, the duration of the review and the
department responsible for the study.
Asked by: Hon CHEUNG Kwok-che (Member Question No. 1079)
Reply:
The Transport Department (TD) is responsible for reviewing the traffic restriction in South
Lantau and related work. In June 2015, the TD proposed permitting 20 more tour coaches
each day and 50 private cars on weekdays (except public holidays) to enter South Lantau for
leisure and recreational purposes to promote tourism and local economy in the area.
The TD has duly examined the road conditions, traffic flow and parking facilities in South
Lantau. It is considered that the numbers of vehicles and visitors brought about by the
proposals would be small and would not have significant impact on the country parks on the
Lantau Island. The TD also considers that the traffic on the closed roads is light and could
accommodate more traffic. Although some road sections on the closed roads are relatively
steep, narrow and winding, the roads are safe for driving. Notwithstanding the above,
traffic signs and road markings have been provided at appropriate locations, and speed
enforcement cameras have also been installed on some road sections to deter speeding.
The TD has also been actively working with relevant departments in carrying out a number
of road bend improvement works and providing more car parking spaces in South Lantau.
The TD has also published driving guides for the successful applicants to familiarise
themselves with the road conditions thereat, which also provide them with points to which
they should pay attention when driving on the roads.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 1
Having considered the stakeholders’ concerns during the consultation, the TD has decided
to implement the proposal in phases. The first phase, which involved allowing 10 more
coaches and 25 private cars access to South Lantau, has been implemented since December
2015 and February 2016 respectively. The TD is monitoring the impact of the first phase
and will review in 2016-17 the implementation schedule for the second phase with due
regard to the traffic condition and supply of car parking spaces in the area.
The work involved in the review is undertaken by the TD’s staff as part of their normal
duties. There is no separate breakdown of expenditure for such work.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)346
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 6853)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Before implementation of the relaxation of traffic restriction in South Lantau, was the
Environment Bureau consulted? If yes, what were the details? If no, what were the
reasons? Some Lantau residents objected to the opening up of South Lantau Road. What
was the Government’s understanding of the reasons for their objection, and how did the
Government handle it?
Asked by: Hon CHEUNG Kwok-che (Member Question No. 1080)
Reply:
In June 2015, the Transport Department (TD) proposed permitting 20 more tour coaches
each day and 50 private cars on weekdays (except public holidays) to enter South Lantau for
leisure and recreational purposes to promote tourism and local economy in the area. The
TD had discussed and solicited views from relevant government departments, including the
Environmental Protection Department before the public were consulted on the proposals.
No objection had been received from departments concerned.
The TD received both supporting and opposing views during the consultation. Supporters
agreed that the roads in South Lantau should be opened up in a gradual and orderly manner
to enhance the accessibility of the area. Those objecting were mainly concerned about the
road conditions, insufficient parking spaces and potential safety risks from motorists who
were unfamiliar with roads in the area.
The TD has duly examined the road conditions, traffic flow and parking facilities in South
Lantau. It is considered that the numbers of vehicles and visitors brought about by the
proposals would be small and would not have significant impact on the country parks on the
Lantau Island. The TD also considers that the traffic on the closed roads is light and could
accommodate more traffic. Although some road sections on the closed roads are relatively
steep, narrow and winding, the roads are safe for driving. Notwithstanding the above,
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 3
traffic signs and road markings have been provided at appropriate locations, and speed
enforcement cameras have also been installed on some road sections to deter speeding.
The TD has also been actively working with relevant departments in carrying out a number
of road bend improvement works and providing more car parking spaces in South Lantau.
The TD has also published driving guides for the successful applicants to familiarise
themselves with the road conditions thereat, which also provide them with points to which
they should pay attention when driving on the roads.
Having considered the stakeholders’ concerns during the consultation, the TD has decided
to implement the proposal in phases. The first phase, which involved allowing 10 more
coaches and 25 private cars access to South Lantau, has been implemented since December
2015 and February 2016 respectively. The TD is monitoring the impact of the first phase
and will review in 2016-17 the implementation schedule for the second phase with due
regard to the traffic condition and supply of car parking spaces in the area.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)347
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3594)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government comprehensively examine the adequacy of the supply of urban, New
Territories (NT) and Lantau taxis in 2016-17 and issue additional taxi licences immediately?
If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 17)
Reply:
There are three types of taxis operating in Hong Kong, namely urban, NT and Lantau taxis.
Every year, the Transport Department (TD) conducts surveys on the overall taxi service
level in order to better understand passenger demand for the three types of taxis and their
operating conditions. The surveys are conducted at about 100 major taxi stands and 40
roadside checkpoints all over the territory on both weekdays and weekends. In addition to
on-site observations, views are collected from the taxi trade and passengers. The surveys
cover major parameters such as the number of taxi trips observed, the passenger waiting
time and the occupancy level of taxi trips. The TD will study data collected carefully and
compare such data against those collected in previous years to identify any trend and
discernible changes. In 2015-16, $1.7 million was spent on engaging consultants to
conduct such surveys. The monitoring and follow-up work of the surveys is absorbed by
the TD’s existing manpower. Apart from this, ad-hoc surveys would be conducted as and
when required, such as on receipt of complaints and suggestions.
The TD also gathers and monitors feedback from the public, the Legislative Council (LegCo)
members, the District Council members, as well as the Transport Complaint Unit’s hotlines.
In addition, the TD maintains close liaison with the taxi trade and holds regular meetings
with major taxi associations to better understand their latest operating environment.
As for the issue of new taxi licences, taking into account the need for effective operation of
the public transport system as well as road capacity, it has been the Government’s
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 5
established policy to issue new taxi licences as and when necessary, having regard to the
demand for taxi service, operating condition of the taxi trade, and likely impact of the
increase in the number of taxis on traffic conditions. In 2015, under a Topical Study of the
Public Transport Strategy Study (PTSS), the Government reviewed whether the supply of
taxi service could meet demand. Based on survey results and passengers’ feedback, the
supply of urban and NT taxi service was found to be largely stable and generally adequate.
For Lantau taxis, survey results and public feedback showed that there was unmet demand.
Future developments on the Lantau Island and the projected growth of local population and
visitors will further add to the demand for Lantau taxi service. The Government has
therefore decided to issue 25 new Lantau taxi licences to increase the supply of Lantau taxis
to 75 vehicles. The tender exercise for issuing the new Lantau taxi licences is in progress.
Meanwhile, the Government is studying the introduction of premium taxis through a
franchise model under the PTSS. The objective is to set new service standards for the taxi
trade, enhance quality of service and meet the community’s demand for diversified,
personalised point-to-point transport services. The Government plans to brief the LegCo
Panel on Transport on the progress of the study on introduction of premium taxis in
mid-2016, and will strive to complete the study in the third quarter of 2016.
Monitoring of taxi service and follow-up actions are parts of the TD’s normal duties and are
absorbed by the TD’s existing manpower.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)348
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4854)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, will the Government consider the principle of “bicycle-friendly” in the current
and future planning of roads, and allow cyclists to share the road facilities? If yes, what
are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 9)
Reply:
Bicycles can be ridden on most carriageways except certain road sections currently
designated as bicycle prohibition zones (BPZs) on grounds of road safety. These BPZs
were set up at different times in the past. To ascertain the present conditions of these road
sections, the Transport Department has commenced, as one of the topics in a consultancy
study, a review of the traffic conditions of various BPZs to see whether it is necessary to
maintain the prohibition. The expenditure involved in conducting the consultancy study is
$6.3 million. The consultancy study covers various topics, and there is no separate
breakdown of expenditure for the review of the traffic conditions of the BPZs.
We note that cycling is allowed on footpaths in some other jurisdictions. However,
footpaths in Hong Kong are usually narrow and crowded. Allowing the shared use of
footpaths by cyclists and pedestrians will increase the risk of accidents. Section 4(8) of the
Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap 228) stipulates that anyone who rides on footpaths
without obvious necessity commits an offence.
We also note that dedicated lanes for cycling are provided along some carriageways in the
urban areas of some other jurisdictions. In Hong Kong, however, it is not practicable to
provide such dedicated cycling lanes on roads in the urban areas given the road capacity
constraints, the need for public transport vehicles such as buses and public light buses to
pick up and set down passengers, and busy kerbside activities.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 7
Roads in Hong Kong, especially those in the urban area, are usually narrow and crowded.
Due to road safety considerations, the Government does not encourage the use of bicycle as
a transport mode in the urban areas. New towns and new development areas, on the other
hand, generally have lower traffic density and hence are more suitable for commuters to use
bicycles for short-distance commuting, as well as for leisure and recreational purpose. The
Government will continue to foster a “bicycle-friendly” environment in new towns and new
development areas by improving the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities in these areas.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)349
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4855)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, will the Government make reference to neighbouring regions, such as Taiwan
and Japan, to improve the road system in Hong Kong to allow cyclists to share the road
facilities? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 10)
Reply:
Bicycles can be ridden on most carriageways except certain road sections currently
designated as bicycle prohibition zones (BPZs) on grounds of road safety. These BPZs
were set up at different times in the past. To ascertain the present conditions of these road
sections, the Transport Department has commenced, as one of the topics in a consultancy
study, a review of the traffic conditions of various BPZs to see whether it is necessary to
maintain the prohibition. The expenditure involved in conducting the consultancy study is
$6.3 million. The consultancy study covers various topics, and there is no separate
breakdown of expenditure for the review of the traffic conditions of the BPZs.
We note that cycling is allowed on footpaths in Taiwan and Japan. However, footpaths in
Hong Kong are usually narrow and crowded. Allowing the shared use of footpaths by
cyclists and pedestrians will increase the risk of accidents. Section 4(8) of the Summary
Offences Ordinance (Cap 228) stipulates that anyone who rides on footpaths without
obvious necessity commits an offence.
We also note that dedicated lanes for cycling are provided along some carriageways in the
urban areas of Taiwan and Japan. In Hong Kong, however, it is not practicable to provide
such dedicated cycling lanes on roads in the urban areas given the road capacity constraints,
the need for public transport vehicles such as buses and public light buses to pick up and set
down passengers, and busy kerbside activities.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 5 9
Roads in Hong Kong, especially those in the urban area, are usually narrow and crowded.
Due to road safety considerations, the Government does not encourage the use of bicycle as
a transport mode in the urban areas. New towns and new development areas, on the other
hand, generally have lower traffic density and hence are more suitable for commuters to use
bicycles for short-distance commuting, as well as for leisure and recreational purpose. The
Government will continue to foster a “bicycle-friendly” environment in new towns and new
development areas by improving the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities in these areas.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)350
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4856)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government comprehensively improve the existing cycle tracks and construct
cycling facilities in the urban area in 2016-17? If yes, what are the details and estimated
expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 12)
Reply:
Roads in Hong Kong, especially those in the urban areas, are usually narrow and crowded.
Due to road safety considerations, the Government does not encourage the use of bicycle as
a transport mode in the urban areas. New towns and new development areas, on the other
hand, generally have lower traffic density and hence are more suitable for commuters to use
bicycles for short-distance commuting, as well as for leisure and recreational purpose. The
Government has been fostering a “bicycle-friendly” environment in new towns and new
development areas by improving the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities in these areas.
In 2016-17, the Transport Department (TD) will continue to complete the improvement
works for 14 accident-prone sites in Sha Tin and Tai Po. The TD has also drawn up a list
of about 100 improvement sites with proposals for improvement works, including the
provision of additional cycle parking spaces, enhancement of cycling signage and widening
of bends at existing cycle tracks in nine new towns in the New Territories. Construction
works for these improvement sites will start in 2016 in phases, with a target for completion
in two years. The total estimated expenditure for cycling-related improvement works in
2016-17 is about $12 million.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)351
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4857)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government develop cycle track system in all new development areas (NDAs)
under planning in 2016-17? If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 13)
Reply:
New towns and NDAs generally have lower traffic density and hence are more suitable for
commuters to use bicycles for short-distance commuting, as well as for leisure and
recreational purpose. The Government will continue to foster a “bicycle-friendly”
environment in new towns and the NDAs by providing cycle tracks and ancillary facilities
at appropriate locations and enhancing the existing cycling facilities.
When planning the NDAs, the Government will consider putting in place cycle tracks at
appropriate locations. The Civil Engineering and Development Department is planning
cycle track networks for the NDAs at the Kai Tak Development, the Anderson Road Quarry
Site, Kwu Tung North, Fanling North, Hung Shui Kiu, Yuen Long South and the Tung
Chung New Town Extension. All the above developments are still at the planning stage.
The expenditure involved for constructing these cycle tracks will be assessed when the
designs are finalised.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)352
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4858)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In 2016-17, will the Government make reference to the practices in Taiwan and
comprehensively review the feasibility of designating bicycle and motorcycle only lanes in
the existing road network and allowing cyclists to share the road facilities? If yes, what are
the details and estimated expenditure involved? Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 14) Reply: We note that dedicated lanes for cycling are provided along some carriageways in the urban
areas of Taiwan. In Hong Kong, however, it is not practicable to provide such dedicated
cycling lanes on roads in the urban areas given the road capacity constraints, the need for
public transport vehicles such as buses and public light buses to pick up and set down
passengers, and busy kerbside activities. Therefore, the Government has no plan to
introduce bicycle and motorcycle only lanes in the existing road network in Hong Kong.
Currently, certain road sections are designated as bicycle prohibition zones (BPZs) on
grounds of road safety. These BPZs were set up at different times in the past. To
ascertain the present conditions of these road sections, the Transport Department has
commenced, as one of the topics in a consultancy study, a review of the traffic conditions of
various BPZs to see whether it is necessary to maintain the prohibition. The expenditure
involved in conducting the consultancy study is $6.3 million. The consultancy study
covers various topics, and there is no separate breakdown of expenditure for the review of
the traffic conditions of the BPZs.
The Government will continue to foster a “bicycle-friendly” environment in new towns and
new development areas by improving the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities in these areas.
Motorcycles can be used on all roads. There is no plan to designate “motorcycle only”
lanes in roads.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)353
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4859)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government consider re-tendering all bus franchises and introducing more
operators to enhance the competition among public transport service in 2016-17? If yes,
what are the details and estimated expenditure involved?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 15)
Reply:
At present, there are six bus franchises granted to five bus companies. The Government’s
key consideration in granting a bus franchise is whether a grantee is capable of providing a
proper and efficient public bus service. According to the established practice, an
incumbent grantee which is able to prove its ability to provide a proper and efficient service
and is willing to further invest in franchised bus operation may be considered for being
granted a new franchise for a period of ten years.
The franchise of the network of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB)
will expire on 1 July 2017, and the KMB has indicated an interest to apply for a new
ten-year franchise. The Government briefed the Legislative Council Panel on Transport in
January 2016 on its plan to engage the KMB for discussion on the granting of a new
ten-year franchise for its bus network upon expiry of its current one, and is inviting views
from the public on the requirements of the new franchise. We aim to conclude the
discussion with the KMB within 2016.
For the other five franchises, the ones granted to the Citybus Limited (Franchise for Airport
and North Lantau Bus Network), the Long Win Bus Company Limited and the New World
First Bus Services Limited will not expire until 2023. Meanwhile, the new franchises
granted to the Citybus Limited (Franchise for Hong Kong and Island Cross-Harbour Bus
Network) and the New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited in September 2015 will not
expire till 2026 and 2027 respectively.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 4
The bus industry will continue to face keen competition from other public transport
services. This, together with rising operating costs (especially staff costs), would make its
operating environment in the foreseeable future rather difficult. A grantee would have to
actively rationalise its existing service to reduce wastage and explore new service areas in
response to public demand to maintain the overall competitiveness and sustainability of its
operation.
Three time-limited posts have been created in the Transport Department by phases from
2013 to 2017 to assist in handling the tasks related to the new franchises. The annual staff
costs of the three posts, in terms of notional annual mid-point salary, are as follows:
Rank Number of Post Annual Staff Cost ($)
Chief Transport Officer 1 1,309,080
Senior Transport Officer 1 931,800
Transport Officer I 1 681,240
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)354
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4860)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government conduct a comprehensive review in 2016-17 on the public transport
services in remote areas, including Tung Chung, Ma Wan, Tin Shui Wai and Tseung Kwan
O, etc., and consider introducing more public transport operators in these districts? If yes,
what are the details and the estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 16)
Reply:
The Transport Department (TD) has all along been keeping in view the operation and
quality of public transport services in different areas in Hong Kong, and will make
adjustment to the services in accordance with the demand of passengers. When there are
proven needs for new / enhanced services, the TD will make arrangements in conjunction
with the operators to meet the needs. Close liaison with the relevant District Councils will
be maintained in the process. The work to review and monitor the public transport
services is undertaken on an ongoing basis by the existing staff of the TD as part of their
normal duties. There is no separate breakdown of expenditure for the work involved.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)355
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4861)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Has the Government conducted any public consultation on the bus service rationalisation for
Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsing Yi and Yuen Long under the “Area Approach” in the past five years?
If yes, what were the details and expenditure involved?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 18)
Reply:
Prior consultation with the District Councils (DCs) concerned had been conducted from
February to October 2014 before implementation of the Area Approach rationalisation
proposals for Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsing Yi and Yuen Long. Papers containing details of the
proposals were issued and uploaded on the Transport Department (TD)’s website. Staff of
the TD and franchised bus operators attended meetings of the Transport and Traffic
Committees of the DCs to explain the details to and exchange views with members. Such
work was undertaken by the staff of the TD as part of their normal duties. There is no
separate breakdown of expenditure for such work.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)356
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4863)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In carrying out the Public Transport Strategy Study (PTSS) in 2016-17, will the
Government consider studying the use of bicycles as a common daily transport mode in
order to make Hong Kong a “bicycle-friendly” city, and what are the details and estimated
expenditure involved? In this connection, will the Government consult the public, and
what are the details and estimated expenditure involved?
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 20)
Reply:
In tandem with the further development of heavy rail network, the PTSS is reviewing the
roles and positioning of public transport services other than heavy rail. The objective is to
enhance the complementarity amongst the various public transport services, so that the
public can enjoy efficient services with reasonable modal choices, and the public transport
operators can enjoy long-term and sustainable development. The PTSS will focus on
public transport-related issues that are of long-standing concerns to the public transport
trades and the public, and have been given priority as they are time-sensitive. Cycling is
not a public transport mode. We will continue to foster a “bicycle-friendly” environment
in the new towns and the new development areas outside the PTSS.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)357
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4864)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the average daily patronage of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933)
Limited (KMB) routes from January to December 2015.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 21)
Reply:
The average daily patronage of the KMB routes from January to December 2015 is set out
below:
Month Average Daily Patronage
(‘000)
January 2 633
February 2 602
March 2 669
April 2 589
May 2 586
June 2 648
July 2 605
August 2 629
September 2 726
October 2 696
November 2 771
December 2 707
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 6 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)358
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4865)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the average daily patronage of the Citybus (CTB) routes from January to
December 2015.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 22)
Reply:
The average daily patronage of the CTB routes from January to December 2015 is set out
below:
Month Average daily patronage
(‘000)
Franchise for Hong Kong Island
and Cross-Harbour Bus Network
Franchise for Airport and
North Lantau Bus Network
January 551 75
February 553 75
March 556 77
April 537 79
May 528 76
June 545 79
July 533 80
August 553 82
September 555 79
October 553 78
November 558 81
December 554 82
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 7 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)359
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4866)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the average daily patronage of the New World First Bus (NWFB) routes
from January to December 2015.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 23) Reply: The average daily patronage of the NWFB routes from January to December 2015 is set out
below:
Month Average Daily Patronage
(‘000)
January 464
February 463
March 475
April 459
May 449
June 460
July 450
August 458
September 471
October 467
November 479
December 467
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 7 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)360
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4867)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead: (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the average daily patronage of the “Star” Ferry services from January to
December 2015.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 24)
Reply:
The “Star” Ferry Company Limited operates two franchised ferry routes, i.e. “Tsim Sha
Tsui – Central” and “Tsim Sha Tsui – Wan Chai”. The average daily total patronage of the
two ferry routes from January to December 2015 are set out below:
Month Average Daily Patronage
January 59 100
February 63 100
March 51 300
April 54 600
May 48 800
June 48 500
July 57 400
August 60 100
September 48 800
October 55 300
November 54 900
December 62 000
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 7 7 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)361
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4868)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the average daily patronage of respective railway lines (including the Light
Rail) of the MTR Corporation Limited from January to December 2015.
Asked by: Dr Hon KWOK Ka-ki (Member Question No. 25)
Reply:
The average daily patronage of various MTR railway lines from January to December 2015
The traffic surveys revealed that around 40 to 80 vehicles per hour travelled on the section
concerned of Sai Yeung Choi Street South during the peak hours (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) in
March 2014, May 2014, February and September 2015. The surveys did not record the
vehicular flow by vehicle type. - End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 0 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)377
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4585)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise on the locations and the number of bicycle-parking spaces at the covered
public transport interchanges (PTIs) under the management of the Transport Department
(TD) and near railway stations in Kowloon (including the Kowloon City, Sham Shui Po,
Yau Tsim Mong, Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong districts), as well as the number of bicycles
removed by the TD (and the relevant joint-departmental operations) due to parking
concerns, and the number of such enforcement operations in these locations in the past five
years.
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 63)
Reply:
In Kowloon, there are 30 bicycle-parking spaces managed by the TD in the vicinity of the
Nam Cheong MTR Station. This does not cover other bicycle parking spaces not managed
by the TD.
In the past five years, four joint-departmental operations for clearing illegally parked
bicycles had been conducted at the PTIs under the TD’s management in Kowloon, with a
total of 13 bicycles removed. This figure does not include the number of bicycles removed
by other government departments from other locations not under the TD’s management.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 0 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)378
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4586)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Government will disburse subsidies to franchised bus operators for installation of
display panels for provision of real-time bus arrival information and provision of seats at
bus stops.
In this connection, please provide the numbers of display panels and seats to be installed at
bus stops and the associated subsidy amounts received by each of the franchised bus
operators for the financial year 2016-17 in the table below:
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 0 7
District The Kowloon
Motor Bus
Company (1933)
Limited
Long Win Bus
Company Limited
New World First
Bus Services
Limited
Citybus Limited New Lantao Bus
Company (1973)
Limited
Nu
mb
er o
f d
isp
lay
pan
els
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f d
ispla
y p
anel
s
Nu
mb
er o
f se
ats
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f se
ats
Nu
mb
er o
f d
isp
lay
pan
els
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f d
ispla
y p
anel
s
Nu
mb
er o
f se
ats
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f se
ats
Nu
mb
er o
f d
isp
lay
pan
els
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f d
ispla
y p
anel
s
Nu
mb
er o
f se
ats
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
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n o
f se
ats
Nu
mb
er o
f d
isp
lay
pan
els
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f d
ispla
y p
anel
s
Nu
mb
er o
f se
ats
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
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isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f se
ats
Nu
mb
er o
f d
isp
lay
pan
els
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f d
ispla
y p
anel
s
Nu
mb
er o
f se
ats
to b
e in
stal
led
Am
ou
nts
of
sub
sid
ies
to b
e d
isb
urs
ed f
or
inst
alla
tio
n o
f se
ats
1. Yau
Tsim
Mong
2. Kowloon
City
3. Sham
Shui Po
4. Wong
Tai Sin
5. Kwun
Tong
6. Sha Tin
7. Sai
Kung
8. Tai Po
9. North
10. Tsuen
Wan
11. Kwai
Tsing
12. Tuen
Mun
13. Yuen
Long
14. Islands
15. Central
and
Western
16. Wan
Chai
17. Southern
18. Eastern
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 0 8
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 64)
Reply:
The Government has earmarked $88.27 million to subsidise the franchise bus operators to
provide for seats and display panels for real-time arrival information at covered bus stops.
Of some 3 000 covered bus stops, about 140 are already equipped with seats. The
franchised bus operators will be provided with subsidy for installation of seats at all existing
covered bus stops without seats. We expect that seats will be installed at around 1 500 bus
stops in the first phase of around three years, and at the remaining bus stops in another two
years’ time.
The Government will also provide subsidy to the franchised bus operators for their
installation of real-time arrival information display panels at covered bus stops with
electrical installations. Currently, there are some 1 300 covered bus stops with electrical
installations. The subsidy for the display panels will be offered on a matching basis. For
every display panel which a franchised bus operator has committed to install, the
Government will provide subsidy for the installation of another display panel. Funding has
been earmarked for subsidising the installation of around 800 display panels. This means
as many as around 1 600 display panels would be installed territory-wide (half of these
funded by the Government under the subsidy scheme and the other half funded by the
franchised bus operators). This should cover all covered bus stops with electrical
installations. We expect that the installation of 550 display panels (half funded by the
Government and half funded by the franchised bus operators) can be completed within the
first phase of around three years. Thereafter, the franchised bus operators will make
annual proposals to the Government as to the number and locations of remaining bus stops
to be provided with display panels. We expect that the installation of the remaining
display panels can be completed in another three years’ time.
The Transport Department (TD) is making preparation for rolling out the subsidy scheme
and will start accepting applications for subsidy from the franchised bus operators from
mid-2016 onwards. The franchised bus operators will propose to the TD the locations of
bus stops for seats and display panels to be installed. In determining the installation
priority, they will take into account such factors as utilisation of the bus stops, physical
environment of individual locations, whether there is any relocation/cancellation plan for
the individual bus stops in near future, and feedback from the relevant districts. Hence, the
detailed information as requested in tabulated form is currently unavailable. It is expected
that the franchised bus operators will invite tender in the second half of 2016, subject to
further discussion with the TD. The amount of subsidy that each franchised bus operator
can expect to receive will be better known upon completion of the tendering exercise.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 0 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)379
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4600)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The work of the Transport Department (TD) involves formulating regulatory measures and
planning related facilities for the public light bus (PLB) service. Please advise this
Committee on the content, purpose, scheduled date and details of proposed legislative
amendments relating to the PLB in the coming three years.
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 78)
Reply:
The TD monitors the operation of the PLB service and works together with the Transport
and Housing Bureau to introduce legislative amendments for strengthening the regulation
and enhancing the safety of the PLB operation. Over the past few years, we have
introduced a number of new legislative requirements to enhance the PLB safety. These
requirements include the imposition of a maximum speed of 80 kilometres (km) per hour for
the PLBs on roads; mandating the installation of approved speed limiter on all PLBs with a
pre-set maximum speed of 80 km per hour; mandating the display of driver identity plate on
the PLBs; mandating the installation of electronic data recording device for newly registered
PLBs; and mandating applicants of the PLB driving licence to attend and complete a
pre-service course before they are issued with a PLB driving licence. The TD will
continue to identify measures that can enhance the safety of the PLB operations and propose
legislative amendments in future where necessary.
Meanwhile, the number of the PLBs has since 1976 been capped at 4 350 by way of the
Public Light Buses (Limitation on Number) Notice (Cap 374K) (the Notice). Over the
years, the Legislative Council (LegCo) has passed resolutions to extend the effective period
of the Notice, and the Notice currently in force will expire after 20 June 2016. A new
resolution to extend the effective period of the Notice for another five years until 20 June
2021 was introduced into the LegCo in January 2016, pending positive vetting by the
Council.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 0
Separately, as we informed the LegCo Panel on Transport in November 2015, under the
Public Transport Strategy Study, we have accorded priority to studying whether it is
desirable and feasible to increase the seating capacity of the PLBs. We plan to brief the
LegCo Panel on Transport on the progress of the study in mid-2016, and will strive to
complete the study in the third quarter of 2016. If it is confirmed that the proposal to
increase seating capacity of the PLBs is feasible, we will proceed with the necessary
legislative amendments for early implementation.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)380
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4601)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The performance measures adopted by the Transport Department (TD) in respect of
planning and development include public transport forward planning programmes
processed, bus service rationalisation packages processed and bus-bus interchange schemes
introduced. The TD is also responsible for enforcing legislation such as Cap 230 and Cap
374 related to monitoring of public transport operators. Please advise this Committee of
the following:
(a) the staff resources and expenditure involved in enforcing legislation such as Cap 230
and Cap 374 related to monitoring of public transport operators in the past three years.
Please reply in the following table:
Year
Enforcement of
legislation
Office Rank Number of
staff
Expenditure
involved
e.g. Section 18 of Cap 230
Year
Enforcement of legislation Office Rank Number of
staff
Expenditure
involved
e.g. Section 18 of Cap 230
Year
Enforcement of legislation Office Rank Number of
staff
Expenditure
involved
e.g. Section 18 of Cap 230
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 2
(b) information collected from the bus companies pursuant to Cap 230, including the
number and capacity of the buses in use on each specified route, the date of site
inspection, and the expenditure involved between 2012 and 2016. Please reply in the
following table:
Date: (e.g. January 2012)
Route
number
Number of
buses
Capacity Date of
site inspection
Expenditure
involved
(c) information collected from the bus companies pursuant to Cap 230, including the
number of journeys, the total kilometres travelled, and the number of journeys
originating from en-route stops by each such bus on each such route; the date of site
inspection and the expenditure involved between 2012 and 2016. Please reply in the
following table:
Date: (e.g. January 2012)
Route
number
Number of
journeys
per day
Total
kilometres
travelled
Number of
bus trips
originating from
en-route stops
Date of site
inspection
Expenditure
involved
(d) information collected from the bus companies pursuant to Cap 230, including the
number of passengers carried by each such bus on each day on each such route; the
receipts of each such route; and the date of site inspection and the number of staff and
expenditure involved, on a monthly basis between 2012 and 2016. Please reply in the
following table:
Date: (e.g. January 2012)
Route
number
Number of
passengers
carried per day
Revenue Date of site
inspection
Number of staff
involved in site
inspection
Expenditure
involved
(e) information collected from the bus companies pursuant to Cap 230, including the total
kilometres lost each day in relation to each such route due to accidents, vehicle
breakdowns and vehicle and staff shortages respectively; and the date of site
inspection and the number of staff and expenditure involved, on a monthly basis
between 2012 and 2016. Please reply in the following table:
Date: (e.g. January 2012)
Route
number
Total
kilometres
lost due to
accidents
Total
kilometres
lost due to
vehicle
breakdowns
Total
kilometres lost
due to vehicle
and staff
shortages
Number of
staff involved
in site
inspection
Expenditure
involved
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 3
Asked by: Hon Claudia MO (Member Question No. 79)
Reply:
(a) The regulation and monitoring of public transport services under the Public Bus
Services Ordinance (Cap 230) and the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap 374) are
mainly undertaken by the Bus and Railway Branch, the two Transport Operations
Divisions of the New Territories and Urban Regional Offices, the Vehicle Safety
and Standards Division, the Ferry and Paratransit Division, and the Public
Vehicles and Prosecution Section in the TD. These divisions are each headed by
an Assistant Commissioner, and supported by a total of about 140 staff of various
ranks, namely Principal Transport Officer, Chief Engineer, Chief Transport
Officer, Senior Transport Officer, Senior Engineer, Senior Motor Vehicle
Examiner, Engineer, Transport Officer, Transport Executive, Motor Vehicle
Examiner, Technical Officer and Transport Inspector. The regulation and
monitoring tasks are undertaken by the above staff as part of their normal duties.
There is no separate breakdown of expenditure for these tasks.
(b) to (e) The franchised bus companies are required to provide a proper and efficient public
bus service. To facilitate the TD to closely monitor the bus service level, the
franchised bus companies are required to submit their operating records on each
route, including number of passengers carried, number of trips, operating
mileages / kilometres, operating revenue and causes of lost trips, etc. to the TD.
The TD closely monitors the level of franchised bus services through scrutinising
the operating records provided by the franchised bus companies, and conducting
site inspections and field surveys.
In addition, the TD engages contractors to conduct regular surveys to monitor the
performance of the bus companies (e.g. surveys on bus availability and passenger
occupancy). Ad-hoc surveys (e.g. termini surveys, en-route stop surveys, journey
time surveys and on-board surveys) and site inspections are also carried out to
monitor bus service level, adequacy in meeting passenger demand and in response
to complaints / suggestions from the public or problems identified from the regular
returns of bus companies. The numbers of surveys and site inspections
conducted in each year from 2012 to 2015 and the expenditure involved are as
follows:
Survey types Monitoring Surveys Site Inspections
2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015
Number of
surveys / site
inspections
conducted
1 465 2 207 2 933 3 346 267 168 459 869
Total
expenditure
($ million)
3.1 3.1 3.6 3.9 Absorbed by existing
resources of the TD
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 4
Some surveys and site inspections are conducted on an area or district basis for
multiple purposes. There is no breakdown of the survey expenditure on the basis
of route and data type. There are about 560 franchised bus routes in Hong Kong.
Details of the operating data on each route as requested are not readily available.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)381
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 3458)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the provision of more real-time traffic information for the convenience of the
public and the promotion of innovative technology development, will the Government
inform the Committee of the following:
(1) As mentioned in paragraph 52 of the Budget Speech, the Government will allocate
$200 million to install traffic detectors along some strategic routes. What are the
details of the project, and the preliminary study or tender item to be carried out in
2016-17? What are the expenditure and manpower required?
(2) What are the estimated expenditures of the implementation services for the upgrading
of the Transport Information System (TIS) in coming three years? What are the
number, post title and the estimated expenditure of hiring contract information
technology staff to implement the project in coming three years?
(3) What are the numbers of downloads and monthly active users of Hong Kong
eTransport and Hong Kong eRouting websites and smartphone applications? Is there
any review on the cost-effectiveness and usage of the afore-mentioned applications?
(4) Will the team responsible for implementing the proposed project consider enhancing
the communication with the public and the application developers to understand their
needs in the use and the acquisition of real-time traffic information? If yes, what is
the plan?
(5) Are there any plans to request the franchised bus companies (FBCs) to open up the
standardised real-time bus locations and estimated arrival time data to the public and
the third party developers, and provide the real-time traffic and transport data to
‘data.gov.hk’ in machine-readable format for free to promote developing more
innovative applications by the public for citizens to use. If yes, what are the data
formats?
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 6
(6) Are there any measures formulated to monitor the progress of the upgrading of the TIS
to ensure that it will be completed on schedule? If yes, what are the details? If no,
what are the reasons?
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 184)
Reply:
(1) The project seeks to install traffic detectors in certain sections of strategic routes which
have relatively higher traffic volume but are currently without detectors for collection
of real-time traffic information and traffic incident management. Subject to the
approval of funding by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council, we will
select consultants to carry out the study and design work in early 2017 for completion
by 2018. The site installation and implementation works are targeted to commence in
2018 for completion in 2021. The Transport Department (TD) will deploy one
Senior Engineer and one Engineer/Assistant Engineer to manage the captioned
planning work for the project, tendering and overseeing the consultancy services.
The estimated expenditure of the project is $200 million.
(2) Subject to funding approval, the estimated expenditure of the implementation services
for the upgrading the TIS in the coming three years is $31.6 million. The TD will
hire one contract System Analyst and one contract Analyst Programmer for assistance
in various implementation tasks, and the estimated expenditure in the coming three
years is $3.8 million.
(3) As at February 2016, the total numbers of downloads for “Hong Kong eTransport” and
“Hong Kong eRouting” smartphone applications are 1 460 000 and 129 000
respectively. The monthly active website and smartphone application users of “Hong
Kong eTransport” and “Hong Kong eRouting” are 550 000 and 70 000 respectively.
On average, the annual usage of these services has increased by about sevenfold since
their first launch. The TD has reviewed the usage and cost-effectiveness of the
applications, and considers that they are cost-effective. The TD will conduct
regularly reviews of the services and continue to enhance them to promote higher
usage.
(4) The TD has been receiving feedbacks from the public and application developers on
the existing provision of real-time traffic data through the Government public
information portal “data.gov.hk”. The project team responsible for overseeing the
proposed upgrading of the TIS project will consider conducting user surveys at an
appropriate stage to collect feedback on the data format and standard to meet their
needs.
(5) The FBCs are gradually rolling out their real-time bus service information systems for
disseminating information to passengers via smartphone applications, websites as well
as display panels at bus stops to facilitate passengers in knowing their waiting time and
planning their journeys. They have put in substantial resources in developing and
operating the real-time bus service information systems. The real-time arrival data is
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 7
their private property and pertains to their commercial operation. The FBCs have
indicated that they have no intention to make available their data for use by application
developers free of charge at present.
(6) The TD will establish a Project Steering Committee composing senior officials of the
TD and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer to guide the
implementation and oversee the progress of the upgrading of the TIS. The TD will
also set up a dedicated project team to manage the project, including monitoring the
progress and administering the implementation contracts to ensure a smooth system
implementation.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)382
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 5756)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the driving assistance technology and driverless vehicles, please inform the
Committee of the following:
(a) In 2015-16, have there been any studies carried out on reviewing the legislation
relating to regulating the driving assistance technology and driverless vehicles? If
yes, what are the specific work, expenditure and manpower involved?
(b) In 2016-17, is there any plan to review the legislation relating to driving assistance
technology and driverless vehicles? If yes, what are the detailed work plan,
estimated expenditure and manpower involved?
(c) As understood, currently some electric cars can have the driving systems updated
through online means, but the updates must have the Government’s approval. Please
provide the numbers of applications received, the scopes of applications and the
numbers of approvals in the past three years.
(d) Regarding the approvals mentioned in (c) above, what are the manpower and
expenditure involved in 2015-16 and what are the manpower and estimated
expenditure in 2016-17?
(e) Regarding the response to (c) above, how many applications are related to driving
assistance technology or driverless vehicles? How many such applications have been
approved? What is the progress of processing such applications?
Asked by: Hon Charles Peter MOK (Member Question No. 199)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 1 9
Reply:
Automobile technology is evolving all the time. The Transport Department (TD) monitors
closely the latest overseas development on this front and assesses possible impact these
developments may have on our regulatory framework to ensure the roadworthiness of
vehicles used in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, a new vehicle model needs to be examined and approved by the TD to
ensure its roadworthiness before vehicles of the same model can be registered. This is
commonly known as “type approval”. Driving assistance technology used in a new
vehicle model, like any new automotive technology, will be assessed in the type approval
process.
Any subsequent alteration of the major functions of type approved vehicle models which is
related to the safety of the vehicle such as brakes and steering, be it an alteration of the
electrical or mechanical part of the vehicle or the introduction of driving assistance features
through software update, should be submitted to the TD for assessment, or else the altered
vehicles will not be considered as type approved and hence cannot be used on roads.
The current regulatory framework is adequate for the purpose of ensuring the
roadworthiness of new automotive technologies. The TD will continue to keep in view the
regulatory framework to ensure that it can continue to serve our purpose well in the face of
emerging new technology.
In the past three years, the TD had received one application in October 2015 from an
electric vehicle manufacturer for the introduction of five driving assistance features in the
operating system of vehicles it manufactured, including vehicles already licensed and in use
in Hong Kong. After due assessment, three features were approved in November 2015.
In March 2016, the remaining two features were approved subject to conditions after
obtaining further information from the manufacturer. For driverless vehicle, no application
has been received so far.
The work involved in monitoring automotive technology development, assessment of the
impact of new technological development on the current regulatory framework and the
assessment of individual applications is a part of the regular duties of the TD’s existing
staff. There is no separate breakdown for the expenditure involved in such work.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)383
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4930)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding deploying intelligent transport systems for timely dissemination of the real-time
traffic information to ensure that limited road space can be used effectively, please provide
the following information:
(1) In connection with the installation of the Journey Time Indication System (JTIS),
please list out the number, locations and expenditure of newly installed indication
system in each of the past three years, and the criteria for the installation of additional
indication system.
(2) In connection with the installation of the Speed Map Panels (SMPs), please list out the
number, locations and expenditure of newly installed SMPs in each of the past three
years, and the criteria for the installation of additional SMPs.
(3) Has the Government assessed the effects on road uses respectively due to the
additional JTIS and SMPs?
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 40)
Reply:
(1) The JTIS were installed to indicate cross-harbour journey time. The criteria for
choosing locations for installation of additional JTIS are:
(a) along the routes which are approaching a road harbour crossing (RHC) with high
traffic flow;
(b) at divergent points so that motorists can make informed route choices based on
the real-time traffic information provided; and
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 1
(c) with adequate space for the installation of indicators and associated detector
equipment.
All JTIS indicating cross-harbour journey time were installed more than three years
ago. At present, there is no plan to install additional cross-harbour journey time
indicator facilities as all major strategic locations along the routes to the three RHCs
meeting the above criteria have already been equipped with the JTIS. However,
journey time indicators for routes from the New Territories to Kowloon were included
as part of the SMP System, details of which are explained in part (2) below.
(2) The number, locations and expenditure of newly installed SMPs in the past three years
(all in 2013) are listed below:
Number of
the SMP
installed
Location Expenditure
($ million)
5 - Tai Po Road southbound near Sha Tin Racecourse
- Tate’s Cairn Highway southbound near Shek Mun
- Tolo Highway southbound near the Science Park
- San Tin Highway southbound near Fairview Park
- Tuen Mun Road southbound near Tseng Choi Street
1.41
The SMP System was commissioned in 2013 at a total cost of about $70.9 million.
The criteria for choosing locations for installation of additional SMPs are:
(a) along strategic routes with high traffic flow;
(b) at divergent points so that motorists can make informed route choices based on
the real-time traffic information provided; and
(c) with adequate space for the erection of display panels.
The Transport Department monitors the operation of the existing SMPs and will review
the needs for further expansion of the SMP System.
(3) Opinion surveys were conducted after the first launch of the JTIS in 2003 and after the
commissioning of the SMP System in 2013. It was found that most road users
welcomed the JTIS and the SMP System and they agreed that the systems could
facilitate them in selecting routes to avoid congested roads / areas and in estimating the
arrival time.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 2
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)384
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4931)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the services provided in the “Hong Kong eTransport” smartphone application,
please provide the following information:
(1) Please list out the staff establishment and expenditure involved in the development and
operation of the smartphone application in each of the past three years.
(2) Please list out the total number of downloads and the average number of users and
their time spent per day on the smartphone application in each of the past three years.
(3) The Policy Address mentioned that the “Hong Kong eTransport” will be enhanced to
facilitate the use by the elderly. What are the specific content, staff establishment
and expenditure involved?
(4) Has the Government reviewed the effectiveness of the “Hong Kong eTransport” and
obtained from users their experience after use?
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 42)
Reply:
(1) The development work of the “Hong Kong eTranpsort” smartphone application was
outsourced at a cost of $1.1 million. The application was launched in 2011. The
operation and maintenance work of the application and its website were covered by
one contract, at an annual cost of about $200,000 in the past three years. There is no
separate breakdown of staff establishment in the Transport Department (TD) for
supervising the development and undertaking the ongoing operation and maintenance
of the “Hong Kong eTransport” smartphone application as such work is part of the
regular duties of the staff involved.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 3
(2) The total numbers of downloads and the average numbers of users per day for the
“Hong Kong eTranpsort” smartphone application in the past three years are shown in
the following table:
Year Total number of downloads Average number of users per day
2013 1 090 000 5 500
2014 1 250 000 12 000
2015 1 430 000 18 200
The TD does not have the breakdown on the average time spent by the users on the
service.
(3) The proposed enhancements to the “Hong Kong eTransport” service aim at improving
the ease of use by the elderly. An elderly mode will be introduced in the “Hong
Kong eTransport” service to provide an elderly-friendly layout with larger font size, a
simplified route search function and route search results showing the concessionary
fares for the elderly. It will also be equipped with text-to-speech function so that the
route information and search results can be read out. The estimated expenditure for
the proposed enhancements of the “Hong Kong eTransport” service on various
platforms, including the website, mobile applications and kiosks, is about $3.8 million.
(4) The TD has reviewed the effectiveness of the “Hong Kong eTransport” service and
obtained feedback from users their experience after use. In 2015, the TD conducted a
customer satisfaction survey to assess whether the expected effectiveness was met and
to understand the users’ experience. In response to the comments received, the TD
identified areas of improvements and enhanced the service. We will continue to
review and enhance the service to further promote its usage, which has increased by
about sevenfold since its launch.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)385
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4937)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the use of information technology to improve the transport system of Hong
Kong, when will the Government provide real-time information on parking spaces for the
convenience of motorists? What are the progress, manpower and expenditure involved for
the study and application programme development of the related project?
Asked by: Hon TANG Ka-piu (Member Question No. 75)
Reply:
The Transport Department (TD) has been in discussion with operators of commercial public
car parks to encourage them to make better use of technology, including the use of mobile
applications to disseminate real-time information on parking vacancies of their car parks.
The TD also seeks their agreement to upload the parking vacancies data to the
Government’s public sector information portal at the “data.gov.hk” website (the portal).
Positive initial feedbacks have been received from some carpark operators, indicating that
they are willing or considering to provide such data on the portal. Interested parties can
then make use of the parking vacancies data on the portal to develop applications serving as
one-stop dissemination of real-time information on parking vacancies for use by motorists.
The TD is also enhancing its “Hong Kong eRouting” website and mobile application service
for dissemination of parking vacancy information, targeted to be available for motorists’ use
in mid-2016. The work is absorbed by the existing staff of the TD. The enhancement of
“Hong Kong eRouting” does not necessitate any study.
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S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 5
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)386
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4128)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the engagement of “outsourced workers”, please provide the following
information:
2015-16
(latest position)
Number of outsourced service contracts ( )
Total amount paid to outsourced service providers ( )
Length of contract for each outsourced service provider ( )
Number of outsourced workers engaged through outsourced service
providers
( )
Distribution of positions held by outsourced workers (e.g. customer
service, property management, security, cleansing and information
technology, etc.)
Monthly wages of outsourced workers
• $30,001 or above
• $16,001 to $30,000
• $8,001 to $16,000
• $6,501 to $8,000
• $6,240 to $6,500
• $6,240 or below
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
Length of employment of outsourced workers
• More than 15 years
• 10 to 15 years
• 5 to 10 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 1 to 3 years
• Less than 1 year
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 6
2015-16
(latest position)
Percentage of outsourced workers out of the total number of staff of
the Department (%)
( )
Percentage of amount paid to outsourced service providers out of
the total salary expenditure of staff of the Department (%)
( )
Number of outsourced workers who received severance payments /
long service payments / end-of-contract gratuities
( )
Amount of severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities paid
( )
Number of outsourced workers with severance payments / long
service payments / end-of-contract gratuities offset by the accrued
benefits attributable to the employers’ Mandatory Provident Fund
(MPF) contributions
( )
Amount of severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities offset by the accrued benefits attributable
to the employers’ MPF contributions
( )
Number of workers with paid meal breaks
Number of workers without paid meal breaks
( )
Number of workers under five-day work week
Number of workers under six-day work week
( )
Figures in ( ) denote year-on-year percentage changes as compared with 2014-15
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 109)
Reply:
Almost all of the outsourcing services (in terms of contract value) currently used by the
Transport Department (TD) relate to the management, operation and maintenance of
transport infrastructure and services such as government tunnels, bridges, parking meters,
car parks, etc. Details relating to these contracts as at 31 March 2016 are provided below:
2015-16
(latest position)
Number of outsourced service contracts 14 (no change)
Total amount paid to outsourced service providers
($ billion) (Note 1)
4.3 (no change)
Length of contract for each outsourced service
provider
Ranging from three to six years
Number of outsourced workers engaged through
outsourced service providers (Note 2)
2 371
(+0.1%)
Distribution of positions held by outsourced
workers
Comprising professional,
managerial, supervisory, technical,
clerical and non-skilled ranks
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 7
2015-16
(latest position)
Monthly wages of outsourced workers
• $30,001 or above
• $16,001 to $30,000
• $8,001 to $16,000
• $6,501 to $8,000
• $6,240 to $6,500
• $6,240 or below
- Professional and managerial ranks
(around $40,000 or above)
- Supervisory ranks (ranging from
around $10,000 to $50,000)
- Technical, clerical and non-skilled
ranks (ranging from around
$6,760 to $20,000) (Note 7)
Length of employment of outsourced workers
• More than 15 years
• 10 to 15 years
• 5 to 10 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 1 to 3 years
• Less than 1 year
No such information
(Note 8)
Percentage of outsourced workers out of the total
number of staff of the Department (%) (Note 3)
152%
(-1.3%)
(Note 4)
Percentage of amount paid to outsourced service
providers out of the total salary expenditure of
staff of the Department (%) (Note 5)
542%
(-7.2% )
(Note 6)
Number of outsourced workers who received
severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities
No such information
(Note 8)
Amount of severance payments / long service
payments / end-of-contract gratuities paid
No such information
(Note 8)
Number of outsourced workers with severance
payments / long service payments / end-of-contract
gratuities offset by the accrued benefits attributable
to the employers’ MPF contributions
No such information
(Note 8)
Amount of severance payments / long service
payments / end-of-contract gratuities offset by the
accrued benefits attributable to the employers’
MPF contributions
No such information
(Note 8)
Number of workers with paid meal breaks
Number of workers without paid meal breaks
No such information
(Note 8)
Number of workers under five-day work week
Number of workers under six-day work week
No such information
(Note 8)
Figures in ( ) denote year-on-year percentage changes as compared with 2014-15
Notes:
1 Total contract value represents the agreed price for the whole period of the contract.
2 Number of staff employed under these contracts denotes the minimum number of staff
required by these contracts.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 8
3 Total number of staff of the Department refers to “Number of posts” under “Changes in
the size of the establishment (as at 31 March)” of 2016 in the printed estimates of the
TD.
4 The year-on-year change in 2015-16 is mainly due to the increased size of the TD’s
establishment.
5 Total salary expenditure of staff of the Department refers to the total “Personal
Emoluments” under “Details of Expenditure by Subhead” of 2015-16 in the printed
estimates of the TD.
6 The year-on-year change in 2015-16 is mainly due to the increased personal
emoluments arising from civil service pay rise with effect from 1 April 2015, partly
offset by the increase in the total contract value of the outsourcing service contracts.
7 There are provisions in these contracts requiring the contractors to comply with the laws
of Hong Kong, including the Minimum Wage Ordinance (Cap 608) during the contract
periods.
8 There is no requirement specified in these contracts for contractors to provide the
related information.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 2 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)387
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4129)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the engagement of “agency workers”, please provide the following information:
2015-16
(latest position)
Number of contracts with employment agencies (EAs) ( )
Contract sum for each EA ( )
Term of service for each EA ( )
Number of agency workers supplied by EA contracts ( )
Details of positions of the agency workers supplied by EA contracts ( )
Monthly wages of agency workers supplied
• $30,001 or above ( )
• $16,001 to $30,000 ( )
• $8,001 to $16,000 ( )
• $6,501 to $8,000 ( )
• $6,240 to $6,500 ( )
• Below $6,240 ( )
Year of service of agency workers
• More than 15 years ( )
• 10 to 15 years ( )
• 5 to 10 years ( )
• 3 to 5 years ( )
• 1 to 3 years ( )
• Less than 1 year ( )
Percentage of agency workers out of the total number of staff of the
Department
( )
Percentage of expenditure on procurement of agency services out of
the total salary expenditure of staff of the Department
( )
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 0
2015-16
(latest position)
Number of agency workers who received severance payments / long
service payments / end-of-contract gratuities
( )
Amount of severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities paid
( )
Number of agency workers with severance payments / long service
payments / end-of-contract gratuities offset by the accrued benefits
attributable to the employers’ Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)
contributions
( )
Amount of severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities offset by the accrued benefits attributable to
the employers’ MPF contributions
( )
Number of agency workers with paid meal breaks ( )
Number of agency workers without paid meal breaks ( )
Number of agency workers under five-day work week ( )
Number of agency workers under six-day work week ( )
Figures in ( ) denote year-on-year changes in percentage as compared with 2014-15
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 110)
Reply:
The information requested is set out below:
Type of
Contract
2015-16 Note 1
Number of contracts with EAs Others 12 (+20% ) T-
contract Note 2
1 (no change)
Contract sum for each EA (in $ million) for the whole contract term
Others Total:
$4.2 (no change)
Range: $0.07 to $1 T-contract $21.9 (-18.6%)
Term of service for each EA Others 9 months T-contract 6 months to 1 year for
individual agency workers supplied through T-contracts
Number of agency workers supplied by EA contracts
Others Total:
47 (+14.6%)
Range: 1 to 10 T-contract 69 (-2.8%)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 1
Type of
Contract
2015-16 Note 1
Details of positions of the agency workers supplied by EA contracts
Others To provide temporary executive support, general support, assistance in project management and record services
T-contract To provide temporary IT support services
Monthly wages of agency workers supplied
Others T-contract
• $30,001 or above 0 (no change ) - • $16,001 to $30,000 0 (no change) - • $8,001 to $16,000 47 (+14.6% ) - • $6,501 to $8,000 0 (no change ) - • $6,240 to $6,500 0 (no change ) - • Below $6,240 0 (no change ) - Years of service of agency workers Others The TD does not have the
information. T-contract • More than 15 years • 10 to 15 years • 5 to 10 years • 3 to 5 years • 1 to 3 years • Less than 1 year Percentage of agency workers against the total number of staff of the Department (%)
Others 3.0% (+15.4% ) T-contract 4.4% (-4.3%)
Percentage of expenditure on procurement of agency services against the total salary expenditure of staff of the Department (%)
Others 0.6% (-14.3% ) T-contract 3.2% (-25.6%)
Number of agency workers who received severance payments / long service payments / end-of-contract gratuities
Others The TD does not have the information. T-contract
Amount of severance payments / long service payments / end-of-contract gratuities paid
Others T-contract
Number of agency workers with severance payments / long service payments / end-of-contract gratuities offset against the employers’ MPF contributions
Others T-contract
Amount of severance payments / long service payments / contract gratuity offset against the employers’ MPF contributions
Others T-contract
Number of agency workers with paid meal breaks
Others The TD does not have the information. T-contract
Number of agency workers without paid meal breaks
Others T-contract
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 2
Type of
Contract
2015-16 Note 1
Number of agency workers under five-day work week
Others 47 (+14.6%) T-contract 69 (-2.8%)
Number of agency workers under six-day work week
Others 0 (no change ) T-contract 0 (no change )
Figures in ( ) denote year-on-year changes in percentage as compared with 2014-15 Note 1: The figures refer to position as at 1 February 2016.
Note 2: T-contract refers to term contract centrally administered by the Office of the Government
Chief Information Officer.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 3
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)388
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4130)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding the employment of non-civil service contract (NCSC) staff, please provide the
following information:
2015-16
(latest position)
Number of NCSC staff ( )
Details of NCSC positions
Total expenditure on the salaries of NCSC staff ( )
Monthly wages of NCSC staff
$30,001 or above ( )
$16,001 to $30,000 ( )
$8,001 to $16,000 ( )
$6,501 to $8,000 ( )
$6,240 to $6,500 ( )
Below $6,240 ( )
Year of service of NCSC staff
15 years or more ( )
10 to 15 years ( )
5 to 10 years ( )
3 to 5 years ( )
1 to 3 years ( )
Less than 1 year ( )
Number of NCSC staff appointed as civil servants ( )
Percentage of NCSC staff out of the total number of staff in the
Department
( )
Percentage of salary expenditure of NCSC staff out of the total
salary expenditure of staff of the Department
( )
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 4
2015-16
(latest position)
Number of NCSC staff who received severance payments / long
service payments / end-of-contract gratuities
( )
Amount of severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities paid
( )
Number of NCSC staff with severance payments / long service
payments / end-of-contract gratuities offset by the accrued
benefits attributable to the employers’ Mandatory Provident Fund
(MPF) contributions
( )
Amount of severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities offset by the accrued benefits
attributable to the employers’ MPF contributions
( )
Number of NCSC staff with paid meal break ( )
Number of NCSC staff without paid meal break ( )
Number of NCSC staff under five-day work week ( )
Number of NCSC staff under six-day work week ( )
Figures in ( ) denote year-on-year percentage changes as compared with 2014-15
Asked by: Hon WONG Kwok-hing (Member Question No. 111)
Reply:
The information requested is set out below:
2015-16 Note
Number of NCSC staff 60 (-17.8%)
Details of NCSC positions
transport operations and traffic engineering duties 40 (no change)
executive and administrative support duties 6 (-50%)
general clerical support and other duties 14 (-33.3%)
Total expenditure on the salaries of NCSC staff $16.8 million
(-6.1%)
Monthly wages of NCSC staff
$30,001 or above 11 (no change)
$16,001 to $30,000 36 (-12.2%)
$8,001 to $16,000 13 (-38.1%)
$6,501 to $8,000 0 (no change)
$6,240 to $6,500 0 (no change)
Below $6,240 0 (no change)
Year of service of NCSC staff
15 years or more 0 (no change)
10 to 15 years 9 (+28.6%)
5 to 10 years 14 (-36.4%)
3 to 5 years 20 (+42.9%)
1 to 3 years 11 (-35.3%)
Less than 1 year 6 (-53.8%)
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 5
2015-16 Note
Number of NCSC staff appointed as civil servants 7 (-12.5%)
The staff joined the
civil service through
an open, fair and
competitive process.
Percentage of NCSC staff out of the total number of staff of the
Department (%)
3.8% (-19.1%)
Percentage of salary expenditure of NCSC staff out of the total
salary expenditure of staff of the Department (%)
2.8% (-12.5%)
Number of NCSC staff who received severance payments / long
service payments / end-of-contract gratuities
58 (-20.5%)
Amount of severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities paid
$1.1 million
(-31.3%)
Number of NCSC staff with severance payments / long service
payments / end-of-contract gratuities offset against the
employers’ MPF contributions
57 (-20.8%)
Amount of severance payments / long service payments /
end-of-contract gratuities offset against the employers’ MPF
contributions
$0.5 million
(no change)
Number of NCSC staff with paid meal break 57 (-17.4%)
Number of NCSC staff without paid meal break 3 (-25%)
Number of NCSC staff under five-day work week 60 (-17.8%)
Number of NCSC staff under six-day work week 0 (no change)
Figures in ( ) denote year-on-year percentage changes as compared with 2014-15
Note:
The figures refer to the position as at 31 December 2015.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)389
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4546)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (2) Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please provide the numbers of applications for direct issue of Hong Kong full driving
licences from Mainland residents in the past three years. What is the estimated
expenditure of the related measure this year?
Asked by: Hon WONG Yuk-man (Member Question No. 57)
Reply:
The Transport Department (TD) keeps information on applications for direct issue of Hong
Kong full driving licences on the strength of driving licences issued by the People’s
Republic of China (Mainland driving licences) only. It does not have statistics on whether
the applicants are Mainland residents.
The information in respect of direct issue applications for Hong Kong full driving licences
on the strength of Mainland driving licences in the past three years is tabulated below:
Year
Number of applications for direct issue of
Hong Kong full driving licences on the strength of
Mainland driving licences
2013-14 26 012
2014-15 37 767
2015-16
(up to end February 2016)
34 392
Direct issue of Hong Kong full driving licences on the strength of Mainland driving licences
is undertaken by the existing staff of the TD as part of their normal duties. There is no
separate breakdown of the expenditure for this purpose.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 7
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)390
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4741)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
The Transport Department (TD) indicated that it will continue to rationalise and improve
bus services so as to improve service quality and efficiency, and to help relieve congestion
and reduce roadside emission. Please advise this Committee on:
(1) the number of bus routes cancelled and frequency reduced for each district through bus
service rationalisation and improvement in the past year;
(2) the number of bus routes planned to be cancelled and frequency reduced in 2016-17 to
achieve bus service rationalisation and improvement; and
(3) the manpower involved in the above duties and the estimated annual salaries in
2016-17?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 170)
Reply:
(1) In 2015, eight bus routes with low utilisation were cancelled while another 102 routes
had been truncated or had their frequency reduced. All buses saved from the
rationalisation proposals have been redeployed elsewhere to operate new or enhanced
services. A considerable number of franchised bus routes provide cross-district
service. There is no separate breakdown of the number of bus routes cancelled or
with their frequency reduced by district.
(2) For the 2016-17 route planning programmes, the TD and franchised bus companies
have proposed 138 rationalisation items (including four route cancellation and 117
frequency reduction proposals) and 146 improvement items (including introduction of
ten new routes and 108 frequency improvement proposals). Consultation with the
District Councils on these proposals is underway. The actual implementation of the
proposals will be subject to the outcome of the consultation.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 8
(3) Planning of bus route rationalisation is mainly undertaken by the staff of the Bus and
Railway Branch of the TD as part of their normal duties. There is no separate
breakdown of expenditure for such work.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 3 9
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)391
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4742)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please inform this Committee on the following:
(1) In 2016-17, what are the details and estimated expenditure involved in the current and
future planning of roads, to allow cyclists to share the road facilities based on the
principle of “bicycle-friendly”?
(2) Will reference be made to neighbouring regions, such as Taiwan and Japan, to
improve the road system in Hong Kong to allow cyclists to share the road facilities?
If yes, what are the details and estimated expenditure?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 171)
Reply:
(1) Bicycles can be ridden on most carriageways except certain road sections currently
designated as bicycle prohibition zones (BPZs) on grounds of road safety. These
BPZs were set up at different times in the past. To ascertain the present conditions of
these road sections, the Transport Department has commenced, as one of the topics in
a consultancy study, a review of the traffic conditions of various BPZs to see whether
it is necessary to maintain the prohibition. The expenditure involved in conducting
the consultancy study is $6.3 million. The consultancy study covers various topics,
and there is no separate breakdown of expenditure for the review of the traffic
conditions of the BPZs.
(2) We note that cycling is allowed on footpaths in Taiwan and Japan. However,
footpaths in Hong Kong are usually narrow and crowded. Allowing the shared use of
footpaths by cyclists and pedestrians will increase the risk of accidents. Section 4(8)
of the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap 228) stipulates that anyone who rides on
footpaths without obvious necessity commits an offence.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 0
We also note that dedicated lanes for cycling are provided along some carriageways in
the urban areas of Taiwan and Japan. In Hong Kong, however, it is not practicable to
provide such dedicated cycling lanes on roads in the urban areas given the road
capacity constraints, the need for public transport vehicles such as buses and public
light buses to pick up and set down passengers, and busy kerbside activities.
Roads in Hong Kong, especially those in the urban area, are usually narrow and
crowded. Due to road safety considerations, the Government does not encourage the
use of bicycle as a transport mode in the urban areas. New towns and new
development areas, on the other hand, generally have lower traffic density and hence
are more suitable for commuters to use bicycles for short-distance commuting, as well
as for leisure and recreational purpose. The Government will continue to foster a
“bicycle-friendly” environment in new towns and new development areas by
improving the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities in these areas.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 1
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)392
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4743)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Will the Government inform this Committee of the following:
(1) the number of non-franchised public buses (NFBs) that could provide student service
and the number of nanny vans in each of the past two years;
(2) the number of NFBs with both student service endorsement (SSE) and other service
endorsements in each of the past two years; what the other service endorsements are;
together with a breakdown of the numbers of the NFBs by such other service
endorsements;
(3) the number of NFBs providing student service on a regular basis in each of the past
two years; if the relevant figures are not available, please provide the reasons; and
(4) whether statistics on the current number of students who need school bus service have
been compiled to assess if a balance between the supply and demand of school bus
service has been achieved; if no, please provide the reasons; what other means by
which the authorities assess whether school bus service is adequate.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 172)
Reply:
The Transport Department (TD) has been closely monitoring the supply of vehicles that can
provide school bus service and making arrangements to cater for its demand as and when
appropriate. There are three types of student service vehicles (SSVs): (i) NFBs with SSE;
(ii) private school buses operated by schools or school sponsoring bodies; and (iii) school
private light buses (commonly known as “nanny vans”).
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 2
(1) The numbers of the SSVs in the past two school years are set out as follows:
School year NFBs with
SSE
Private school buses
operated by schools
or school sponsoring
bodies
School
private light
buses
2015-16
(as at end February 2016)
3 168 87 1 957
2014-15 3 261 75 1 924
(2) Under the current regulatory regime, an NFB operator needs to apply to the TD for
service endorsement for a particular transport service in order to provide such service.
In response to service demand and operating conditions, the operator may apply to the
TD for more than one service endorsement. This arrangement gives the NFB
operators flexibility to better utilise their fleet and provide different types of services
according to market situation.
As at end February 2016, about 45% of the 7 040 NFBs in the market (i.e. 3 168) have
SSE. The numbers of the NFBs with SSE and those with multiple service
endorsements in the past two school years are set out below:
School year NFBs with
SSE only
NFBs with SSE and one or
more other service
endorsement(s) Note
Total number
of NFBs with
SSE
2015-16
(as at end February 2016)
57 3 111 3 168
2014-15 59 3 202 3 261 Note: Other service endorsements include those for tour service, hotel service,
employees’ service, international passenger service, residents’ service and
contract hire service.
(3) According to the annual survey conducted by the TD on the utilisation of the NFBs,
about 70% and 60% of the NFBs with the SSE were providing school bus service in
2014 and 2015 respectively.
(4) Whether a student would need school bus service would depend on his/her personal
circumstances and his/her parents’ choices, and these circumstances and choices may
also change from time to time. The TD does not have information on the number of
students who need student services. However, the TD would from time to time
assess the adequacy of school bus service with reference to a number of factors,
including student population, local birth rate and the number of the SSVs. It is
observed that the ratio between students at Form three or below and the total seating
capacity of the SSVs has remained largely stable over the last few years.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 3
We note that some schools have indicated that they encountered difficulty in securing
school bus service that they need. To increase the supply of vehicles that can provide
school bus service, the TD has since 2012 implemented a new measure to allow an
NFB operator in possession of the SSE to use all vehicles meeting the relevant
requirements in his/her fleet for carriage of students upon application. In addition,
the sourcing requirement for school private buses has been relaxed, so that schools
need not source vehicles from the existing fleet in the market if they wish to operate
their own school private buses. These measures allow greater flexibility on vehicle
deployment to meet the demand for school bus service. In addition, representatives
of the transport trade and the education sector set up a working group in April 2015 to
explore how the arrangements with respect to the supply and demand of school bus
service could be improved for the school year commencing in September 2015. No
great difficulty in providing school bus service was revealed by the schools and the
bus operators in 2015 when the new school term commenced. The transport trade
will continue to provide assistance to the schools as necessary through the working
group for the new school term in 2016. Meanwhile, the TD will continue to
communicate with the trade and monitor the existing arrangements concerning the
supply of the SSVs.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 4
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)393
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4744)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise the Committee of the following:
(1) the details of the applications submitted by the green minibus (GMB) operators to the
Transport Department (TD) for service cancellation in the past three years and the
results of the applications; and
(2) the details of the GMB routes introduced in the past three years.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 173)
Reply:
(1) Over the past three years (from 2013 to 2015), the TD received applications for
cancellation of 19 GMB routes, mainly due to low passenger demand and poor
financial performance. The TD has reviewed the operating conditions of these routes
together with the operators concerned. Appropriate measures have been
implemented to improve service efficiency and financial viability of these routes.
Measures implemented include fare and frequency adjustment, re-routeing and vehicle
re-deployment. Of these 19 routes, approval for cancellation was eventually given to
four routes as follows:
GMB Route Origin – Destination
HKI 10X Scenic Villas – Central (Chater Road) (Circular)
HKI 11 Tin Wan Estate – Causeway Bay (Jaffe Road)
Kln 63M Lam Tin (Kwong Tin Estate ) – Yau Tong ( Circular)
NT 611C Kwan Lok Lane – Fau Tsoi Street
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 5
(2) Seven new GMB routes were introduced in the past three years. They are:
Year Origin – Destination
2013 (1) Cruise Terminal – Kowloon Bay (Telford Gardens) (Circular)
2014 (2) Allway Gardens (Tsuen Wan) – Tsuen Wan Chung On Street
2015 (3) Yau Tong (Ko Yee Estate) – Kowloon Bay (Kai Yan Street)
(Circular)
(4) Kai Ching Estate (Kai Tak) – Wong Tai Sin Station (Circular)
(5) The Beaumount (Tseung Kwan O) – Hang Hau (Circular)
(6) Shui Chuen O (Shatin) – Shek Mun Station
(7) Shui Chuen O (Shatin) – Hin Keng (Che Kung Miu Road)
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)394
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4745)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (4) Management of Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
In connection with the confiscation of illegally parked bicycles last year due to shortage of
bicycle parking spaces over the territory, will the Government advise this Committee on the
insufficiency of bicycle parking spaces and details of the confiscated bicycles, including the
locations, number and ways of disposal (including auctions) involved? Please also
estimate the expenditure and manpower required for increasing the provision of bicycle
parking spaces in the coming year.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 174)
Reply:
The Government has been monitoring the supply and demand situation of bicycle parking
spaces through various channels, including collating comments from various District
Councils. Currently, there are about 55 000 free public bicycle parking spaces throughout
the territory. In 2015, the Government provided about 1 100 additional bicycle parking
spaces for public use. The Government will continue to identify suitable locations to
provide additional public bicycle parking spaces. As far as the Transport Department (TD)
is concerned, identifying suitable locations for provision of bicycle parking spaces is part of
the work of the TD’s staff. There is no separate breakdown of expenditure and manpower. As regards illegally parked bicycles and illegal occupation of bicycle parking spaces,
relevant departments, including the TD, the Lands Department, the Food and Environmental
Hygiene Department and the Hong Kong Police Force, take enforcement actions under their
respective purviews to tackle the problem, which include carrying out joint clearance
actions co-ordinated by relevant District Offices. In 2015, a total of 7 311 illegally parked bicycles were confiscated in Hong Kong.
Clearance actions were mainly carried out in the New Territories, such as the Sha Tin, Yuen
Long and North districts. Confiscated bicycles will be auctioned by the Government
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 7
Logistics Department (GLD). In 2015, the number of confiscated bicycles that were
auctioned by the GLD was 3 311. - End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)395
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4746)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (1) Planning and Development
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise this Committee on the following:
(1) What were the respective numbers of incidents of different levels of seriousness which
happened on the MTR network over the past three years? What measures were taken
by the Government to follow up on the incidents?
(2) What were the manpower and expenditure deployed by the Government in monitoring
the quality of railway service provided by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL)
over the past three years?
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 175)
Reply:
(1) The numbers of incidents which caused service disruption of eight minutes or above
due to factors under the MTRCL’s control in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 143 (0.47 per
every million revenue car-kilometres (pmcs)), 160 (0.52 pmcs) and 141 (0.44 pmcs)
respectively, whilst the numbers of serious incidents which caused service disruption
of 31 minutes or above in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 5 (0.02 pmcs), 12 (0.04 pmcs)
and 8 (0.03 pmcs) respectively.
There is a well-established notification mechanism for the MTRCL to notify the
Transport Department (TD) in the event of railway service disruption. The MTRCL
is required to notify the TD within eight minutes of any service disruption incident
which has lasted for eight minutes or is expected to last for eight minutes or more. In
the event of major service disruption, the TD will request the MTRCL to provide
incident reports. The TD will also arrange review meetings with the MTRCL and
other relevant government departments to seek further improvements in the notification
and emergency arrangements by drawing on the actual operational experiences gained.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 4 9
The TD will follow up with the MTRCL on the improvement measures identified, such
as better communication with passengers during incidents, and monitor the progress of
the implementation of such measures. Besides, the Electrical and Mechanical
Services Department, as railway safety regulator, will look into railway incidents with
safety implication, and will advise the MTRCL to take proper improvement measures
where necessary.
(2) The TD is responsible for monitoring the service performance of railway operated by
the MTRCL. The Railway Service Monitoring Team (the Team) of the TD comprises
one Chief Transport Officer, two Senior Transport Officers and two Transport Officers
I/II. It is overseen by one Assistant Commissioner for Transport and one Principal
Transport Officer whose duties include also operational and service matters related to
franchised and non-franchised buses, as well as environmental schemes related to
public transport. The staff costs of the five staff in the Team, in terms of notional
annual mid-point salary, were $3.861 million, $4.078 million and $4.285 million in
2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively.
In addition, the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) of the TD
monitors and handles traffic and public transport incidents 24 hours a day. It liaises
with government departments and public transport operators for arrangements of
alternative public transport services and dissemination of information to the public as
necessary. Handling of railway incidents is part of the ETCC’s duties, and there is no
separate breakdown of the resources which the ETCC uses specifically for the purpose
of handling railway incidents.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)396
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 4747)
Head: (186) Transport Department
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (3) District Traffic and Transport Services
Controlling Officer: Commissioner for Transport (Mrs Ingrid YEUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Please advise this Committee of the following:
Regarding the service development plans and applications for fare adjustment for public
transport modes, please provide the following information on the rates applied for and the
results of the fare adjustment applications from various public transport modes since the last
financial year:
(a) public transport mode (including a breakdown into green minibus (GMB) routes,
ferries);
(b) application date;
(c) rate of fare adjustment applied for; and
(d) result.
Asked by: Hon WU Chi-wai (Member Question No. 176)
Reply:
The latest situation on fare adjustment applications of various public transport modes
received in 2015-16 is as follows:
(A) GMB
GMB route Application
date
Fare adjustment
applied for
Result
1. Kln 19 April 2015 To increase by 11.4% Increased by 9.1%
2. Kln 19A April 2015 To increase by 5.9% Increased by 2.9%
3. Kln 19M April 2015 To increase by 11.1% Increased by 8.3%
4. HKI 66 May 2015 To increase by 21.4% Increased by 7.1%
5. HKI 66A May 2015 To increase by 21.4% Increased by 7.1%
6. HKI 68 May 2015 To increase by 25% Increased by 4.5%
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 1
GMB route Application
date
Fare adjustment
applied for
Result
7. NT 40 May 2015 To increase by 9.1% To be increased by 9.1%
8. NT 41 May 2015 To increase by 9.8% To be increased by 7.8%
9. HKI 56 June 2015 To increase by 14.9% Increased by 5.7%
10. HKI 56A June 2015 To increase by 14.9% Increased by 5.7%
11. NT 50K June 2015 To increase by 13.7% Increased by 7.8%
12. NT 50A June 2015 To increase by 13.7% Increased by 7.8%
13. NT 51K June 2015 To increase by 11.1% Increased by 7.4%
14. NT 57K June 2015 To increase by 12.2% Increased by 6.1%
15. NT 58K June 2015 To increase by 13.6% Increased by 6.8%
16. NT 58S June 2015 To increase by 14.3% Increased by 8.6%
17. NT 78A August 2015 To increase by 7.3% Increased by 7.3%
18. NT 81 August 2015 To increase by 22.4% To be increased by 6.1%
19. NT 81M August 2015 To increase by 29% To be increased by 6.5%
20. NT 82 August 2015 To increase by 32.7% To be increased by 6.1%
21. NT 82M August 2015 To increase by 62.2% To be increased by 5.4%
22. NT 19S August 2015 To increase by 9.5% Being processed
23. NT 108A August 2015 To increase by 14.6% Being processed
24. NT 59K August 2015 To increase by 16.9% Being processed
25. Kln 76A September 2015 To increase by 11.8% Being processed
26. Kln 76B September 2015 To increase by 11.8% Being processed
27. Kln 43M September 2015 To increase by 15.2% Being processed
28. Kln 62S September 2015 To increase by 8.7% Being processed
29. Kln 63 September 2015 To increase by 25% Being processed
30. Kln 59 September 2015 To increase by 8.8% Being processed
31. Kln 59M September 2015 To increase by 11.1% Being processed
32. Kln 2 October 2015 To increase by 18.8% Being processed
33. Kln 2A October 2015 To increase by 18.8% Being processed
34. Kln 6 October 2015 To increase by 17.7% Being processed
35. Kln 6A October 2015 To increase by 17.7% Being processed
36. Kln 6X October 2015 To increase by 17.7% Being processed
37. Kln 17M October 2015 To increase by 15.6% Being processed
38. Kln 25M October 2015 To increase by 12.7% Being processed
39. Kln 74 October 2015 To increase by 8.6% Being processed
40. Kln 74S October 2015 To increase by 8.6% Being processed
41. Kln 12 October 2015 To increase by 33.3% Being processed
42. Kln 57M October 2015 To increase by 18.4% Being processed
43. NT 39 October 2015 To increase by 12.7% Being processed
44. NT 39A October 2015 To increase by 12.7% Being processed
45. NT 601 October 2015 To increase by 9.4% Being processed
46. NT 601B October 2015 To increase by 8.5% Being processed
47. NT 602 October 2015 To increase by 9.4% Being processed
48. NT 603 October 2015 To increase by 9.4% Being processed
49. NT 604 October 2015 To increase by 19.6% Being processed
50. NT 605 October 2015 To increase by 9.4% Being processed
51. NT 606S October 2015 To increase by 4.3% Being processed
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 2
GMB route Application
date
Fare adjustment
applied for
Result
52. Kln 9M November 2015 To increase by 25% Being processed
53. NT 308M November 2015 To increase by 19.2% Being processed
54. NT 308A November 2015 To increase by 19.2% Being processed
55. NT 44 November 2015 To increase by 11.8% Being processed
56. NT 44A November 2015 To increase by 11.8% Being processed
57. NT 44B November 2015 To increase by 12.3% Being processed
58. NT 44B1 November 2015 To increase by 12.3% Being processed
59. NT 45 November 2015 To increase by 12.5% Being processed
60. NT 49S November 2015 To increase by 12.1% Being processed
61. NT 1 November 2015 To increase by 7.1% Being processed
62. NT 1A November 2015 To increase by 7.1% Being processed
63. NT 1S November 2015 To increase by 13.4% Being processed
64. NT 2 November 2015 To increase by 8.6% Being processed
65. NT 7 November 2015 To increase by 9.6% Being processed
66. NT 9 November 2015 To increase by 9.4% Being processed
67. NT 109M November 2015 To increase by 6.1% Being processed
68. NT 10M November 2015 To increase by 25% Being processed
69. NT 13 November 2015 To increase by 20.7% Being processed
70. NT 110 November 2015 To increase by 22.4% Being processed
71. Kln 27M December 2015 To increase by 23.2% Being processed
72. Kln 28M December 2015 To increase by 21.4% Being processed
73. Kln 29A December 2015 To increase by 22.2% Being processed
74. Kln 29B December 2015 To increase by 22.2% Being processed
75. Kln 77M December 2015 To increase by 6.3% Being processed
76. Kln 78 December 2015 To increase by 7.8% Being processed
77. Kln 78A December 2015 To increase by 7.8% Being processed
78. NT 801 December 2015 To increase by 14.9% Being processed
79. NT 43 December 2015 To increase by 9.7% Being processed
80. NT 43S December 2015 To increase by 9.7% Being processed
81. NT 43A December 2015 To increase by 9.6% Being processed
82. NT 43B December 2015 To increase by 10.1% Being processed
83. NT 43C December 2015 To increase by 10.2% Being processed
84. NT 52A December 2015 To increase by 15.6% Being processed
85. NT 52K December 2015 To increase by 17.5% Being processed
86. NT 52B December 2015 To increase by 17.5% Being processed
87. NT 54A December 2015 To increase by 15.6% Being processed
88. NT 54K December 2015 To increase by 21.3% Being processed
89. NT 55K December 2015 To increase by 10% Being processed
90. NT 56A December 2015 To increase by 15.6% Being processed
91. NT 56B December 2015 To increase by 10.5% Being processed
92. NT 56C December 2015 To increase by 9.6% Being processed
93. NT 56K December 2015 To increase by 9.9% Being processed
94. NT 89 December 2015 To increase by 17.8% Being processed
95. NT 89A December 2015 To increase by 17.8% Being processed
96. NT 89B December 2015 To increase by 17.8% Being processed
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 3
GMB route Application
date
Fare adjustment
applied for
Result
97. NT 89P December 2015 To increase by 17.8% Being processed
98. NT 89M December 2015 To increase by 19% Being processed
99. NT 89S December 2015 To increase by 19% Being processed
100. NT 98 December 2015 To increase by 19% Being processed
101. HKI 49M January 2016 To increase by 13.2% Being processed
102. HKI 50M January 2016 To increase by 13.5% Being processed
103. HKI 69 January 2016 To increase by 14.5% Being processed
104. HKI 69A January 2016 To increase by 28.6% Being processed
105. HKI 69X January 2016 To increase by 15.8% Being processed
106. HKI 32 January 2016 To increase by 20% Being processed
107. HKI 32A January 2016 To increase by 20% Being processed
108. HKI 33 January 2016 To increase by 15.6% Being processed
109. HKI 33M January 2016 To increase by 20% Being processed
110. Kln 41M January 2016 To increase by 18.9% Being processed
111. Kln 41A January 2016 To increase by 18.9% Being processed
112. Kln 42 January 2016 To increase by 12.1% Being processed
113. NT 26 January 2016 To increase by 7.7% Being processed
114. NT 26A January 2016 To increase by 8.3% Being processed
115. HKI 16A February 2016 To increase by 14.8% Being processed
116. HKI 16M February 2016 To increase by 14.8% Being processed
117. HKI 16X February 2016 To increase by 55.6% Being processed
118. HKI 18M February 2016 To increase by 19.7% Being processed
119. HKI 20M February 2016 To increase by 15.4% Being processed
120. HKI 63 February 2016 To increase by 15.9% Being processed
121. HKI 63A February 2016 To increase by 12.8% Being processed
122. Kln 5M February 2016 To increase by 22.7% Being processed
123. Kln 37A February 2016 To increase by 10.5% Being processed
124. Kln 37M February 2016 To increase by 10.5% Being processed
125. Kln 7 February 2016 To increase by 8% Being processed
126. Kln 16 February 2016 To increase by 13.3% Being processed
127. Kln 16A February 2016 To increase by 11.8% Being processed
128. Kln 16B February 2016 To increase by 11.8% Being processed
129. Kln 16S February 2016 To increase by 11.8% Being processed
130. Kln 46 February 2016 To increase by 18.1% Being processed
131. Kln 33A February 2016 To increase by 10% Being processed
132. Kln 33M February 2016 To increase by 10% Being processed
133. NT 11 February 2016 To increase by 28.8% Being processed
134. NT 11A February 2016 To increase by 30% Being processed
135. NT 11B February 2016 To increase by 28.8% Being processed
136. NT 11M February 2016 To increase by 29.2% Being processed
137. NT 11S February 2016 To increase by 29.1% Being processed
138. NT 12 February 2016 To increase by 29.7% Being processed
The processing time for the fare increase applications varies as, amongst other reasons, the
time the applicant takes to furnish the information required by the Transport Department
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 4
(TD) may differ. In some cases, the TD may also require the applicant to carry out certain
improvements before approving the fare adjustment application.
In addition, another 51 GMB routes had applied for fare increase, but their applications
were either withdrawn or were rejected by the TD.
(B) Franchised ferry service
Franchised ferry service Application date Fare adjustment applied
for
Result
1. Tsim Sha Tsui–
Central
September 2015 To increase by a weighted
average of 14.1%
Being
processed
2. Tsim Sha Tsui–Wan
Chai
September 2015 To increase by a weighted
average of 12.7%
Being
processed
(C) Licensed ferry service
Licensed ferry service Application
date
Fare adjustment applied for Result
1. Ma Wan–Central July 2015 To increase by 4.9% for
registered users, and 9.8%
for non-registered users
Being
processed
2. Ma Wan–Tsuen Wan July 2015 To increase by 4.1% for
registered users, and 8.1%
for non-registered users
Being
processed
(D) Taxi
Type of
taxi
Application
date
Fare
adjustment
applied for
Result
Urban
Taxi
April 2015 To increase
by a weighted
average of
12.6%
As explained in the Government’s paper to the
Legislative Council Panel on Transport in
November 2015, in view of the community’s
opinion on the quality of taxi service, the
Government considers that the more pressing
task is to focus on implementing the various
short-term improvement measures, rather than
processing the fare increase applications, so
that service quality would meet public
expectations and the competitiveness of the
trade would be enhanced. The TD is
discussing with the taxi trade their proposed
improvement measures and keeping in view
the public opinion towards taxi service.
Meanwhile, the TD notes that the trade may
give updated information to the Department
with regard to their fare increase applications.
New
Territories
Taxi
April 2015 To increase
by a weighted
average of
14.9%
Lantau
Taxi
April 2015 To increase
by a weighted
average of
15.3%
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 5
Note: MTR fares are subject to adjustment annually in accordance with the Fare
Adjustment Mechanism, under which the Overall Fare Adjustment Rate is
determined by a direct-drive formula linked to changes in the Composite Consumer
Price Index, the Nominal Wage Index (Transportation Section) and a productivity
factor. Separately, there was no fare adjustment application for franchised bus and
tram services.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 6
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)397
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 7247)
Head: (706) Capital Works Reserve Fund - Highways
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding Subhead 6064TR – “Shatin to Central Link (SCL) – construction of non-railway
works – advance works”, please provide information on:
(a) What are the purposes for which the 2016-17 expenditure is to be used?
(b) What is the works progress? Can the entire project be completed according to the
anticipated date of completion as indicated in the Approved Estimate?
Asked by: Hon Gary FAN Kwok-wai (Member Question No. 54)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
(a) The scope of the works under Subhead 6064TR “SCL – construction of non-railway
works – advance works” comprises (a) reprovisioning of the International Mail Centre
(IMC) at Hung Hom; and (b) reprovisioning works at the Harcourt Garden and the
Hong Kong Park, for the construction of the SCL.
The anticipated expenditure in 2016-17 under Subhead 6064TR is for the execution of
the reprovisioning works at the Harcourt Garden and the Hong Kong Park.
(b) The reprovisioning of the IMC was completed in June 2014 as originally scheduled.
The reprovisioning works at the Harcourt Garden and the Hong Kong Park are being
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 7
carried out in conjunction with the works at the Admiralty Station under the South
Island Line (East) [SIL(E)] project with a target completion date of end-2016. The
completion date of the reprovisioning of the Harcourt Garden and the Hong Kong Park
will be deferred to end-2016 (from end-2015) due to the delay of the SIL(E) project.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 8
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)398
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 7245)
Head: (707) Capital Works Reserve Fund - New Towns and Urban Area
Development
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Civil Engineering and Development
(Daniel K W CHUNG)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding Subhead 7872TH Tseung Kwan O - Lam Tin Tunnel (TKO-LTT):
The Government reported to the District Council (DC) in 2008 that the estimated cost of the
TKO-LTT and the Cross Bay Link (CBL) was respectively 5.89 billion and 2.6 billion,
totalling 8.49 billion for the two projects. Last year, the Government reported the latest
progress of the two projects to the DC again in March. The estimated cost of the tunnel
and link road rose to 8.2 billion and 3.0 billion respectively. The Estimates shows that the
works cost just for the tunnel works has soared by 83% to 15.04 billion in less than a year.
Please advise on the reasons why the works cost has soared in such a short period of time.
Asked by: Hon Gary FAN Kwok-wai (Member Question No. 53)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
The detailed design of the TKO-LTT project was substantially completed in end-2015.
The Transport and Housing Bureau and the Civil Engineering and Development Department
(CEDD) will seek funding approval for the main tunnel and associated works of the
TKO-LTT (excluding the Cha Kwo Ling tunnel section) from the Legislative Council
within this legislative session with a view to commencing construction works in July 2016
for completion by mid-2021.
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 5 9
In the preliminary design study completed in 2013, the cost of the TKO-LTT (inclusive of
the Cha Kwo Ling tunnel section) was estimated to be $8.2 billion in September 2013
prices. The provision for price adjustment was not included at that time. The CEDD
advised the public in May 2014 and May 2015 that this cost estimate was under review as
the detailed design had not yet been completed at the time. At present, based on the
detailed design, the CEDD estimates that the cost for the main tunnel and associated works
of the TKO-LTT project is around $15 billion in money-of-the-day (MOD) prices.
Compared with the preliminary design, the detailed design has included several new
facilities such as bus-bus-interchange and footbridge system to meet public requirements.
The design has also been modified to comply with the latest engineering design standards
and to take into account the latest site investigation results. In addition, there has been
significant increase in construction prices compared to the price level adopted in the
preliminary design stage. Furthermore, the current project estimate in MOD prices
includes provision for price adjustment.
The CEDD will implement suitable cost control measures, including packaging the project
into several contracts for implementation, so as to increase the number of contractors
capable of undertaking the works with a view to achieving more competitive tender prices,
and adopting standard designs and precast units wherever practicable.
As for the CBL project, its detailed design is in progress. Upon completion of the detailed
design, the CEDD will be able to work out the estimated project cost of the CBL.
- End -
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 6 0
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2016-17 Reply Serial No.
THB(T)399
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY
(Question Serial No. 7241)
Head: (708) Capital Works Reserve Fund - Capital Subventions and
Major Systems and Equipment
Subhead (No. & title): (-) Not Specified
Programme: (-) Not Specified
Controlling Officer: Director of Highways (K K LAU)
Director of Bureau: Secretary for Transport and Housing
Question:
Regarding Subhead 8003QR, all along the Government has only revealed various figures
associated with the funding for the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
(HZMB), but not the specific information on the financing of the project. Please provide
information on:
(a) the proportion of the loan borne by Hong Kong;
(b) the latest outcome of the discussions among the governments of Hong Kong, Zhuhai
and Macao on the operational arrangements of the HZMB upon its commissioning,
including the determination of the toll levels for various types of vehicles and the
arrangements for commercial vehicles such as coaches, taxis, etc. to use the HZMB;
and
(c) the toll revenue from the HZMB and the maintenance and operational costs for the
HZMB Main Bridge.
Asked by: Hon Gary FAN Kwok-wai (Member Question No. 18)
Reply:
According to Rule 49 of the Finance Committee Procedures, special meetings of the
Finance Committee are convened to examine the annual Estimates of Expenditure prepared
by the Government in support of the Appropriation Bill. Expenditure charged to the
Capital Works Reserve Fund does not form part of the Appropriation Bill. As such,
questions relating to expenditure under the Fund are not relevant to the examination of the
Estimates of Expenditure or the Appropriation Bill. Nonetheless, the information sought is
provided below:
(a)&(c) The project cost of the HZMB Main Bridge is RMB38.1 billion. According to
the agreement of the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong Special
S e s s i o n 1 4 T H B( T ) - P a g e 8 6 1
Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Macao Special Administrative Region
(Macao SAR) on the construction, operation, maintenance and management of the
HZMB, the Mainland side will contribute RMB7 billion, the HKSAR Government
will contribute RMB6.75 billion and the Macao SAR Government will contribute
RMB1.98 billion. The total contributions from the three sides will be RMB15.73
billion, whilst the remaining cost will be financed by loans. The contribution of
the Hong Kong side of HKD9.28 billion (in money-of-the-day prices) was
approved by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council in 2009. The
operational income of the HZMB will be used to repay the bank loans and
operational expenses including the maintenance cost after commissioning.
(b) To fully realise the economic and transport benefits of the HZMB, the three
governments agree to provide different modes of cross-boundary (CB)
transportation on the HZMB. For commercial passenger transport services, there
will be CB shuttle buses, CB coaches and CB hire car services. The CB shuttle
buses will provide a frequent feeder service to enable passengers to efficiently and
conveniently travel between the boundary control points of Hong Kong and
Zhuhai, and between Hong Kong and Macao. The CB coach service will provide
services for CB passengers with fixed schedules and stopping points. The CB
hire car service will provide personalised point-to-point CB transport services.
Taxi is not a type of CB vehicle. They are not allowed to use the HZMB
according to the CB transport arrangements agreed by the three governments.
As regards to tolls of the HZMB, the three governments are studying and
discussing the matter. Announcement will be made once the toll levels are
finalised. The three governments agree that the following considerations should
be taken into account in setting the toll levels for the HZMB –
(i) the HZMB is a public infrastructure;
(ii) tolls collected will be used for repayment of the principal and interest of the
loan, as well as settlement of the operation, maintenance and management
fees of the HZMB Main Bridge;
(iii) the vehicular flow of the HZMB and the affordability of vehicle owners;
and
(iv) tolls shall be set as low as practicable to boost traffic flow.